Eastern Michigan University has joined a voting competition against Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University from now until Oct. 21, the final day for eligible voters to register online in Michigan.
The goal of the competition is to encourage students and campus employees to vote in the upcoming November election by tracking voter registration across campus.
“We were reached out to by the Secretary of State and asked if we wanted to participate,” Communication and Operations Manager of Engage @ EMU, Sam Carter said. “Of course, we said yes, it sounds like an absolute blast.”
The competition’s winner will receive special recognition from the Michigan Secretary of State’s office for achievements in civic engagement.
“Eastern Michigan University is proud to participate in the Michigan Secretary of State campus voter registration challenge,” President James Smith said in a video about the competition.
The video also displayed statements from Central Michigan President Bob Davies and Western Michigan President Edward Montgomery encouraging students of the universities to vote.
“We really hope the contest will encourage students not only to register to vote but to get out and vote as well,” Carter said.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson described the event as a friendly competition between state campus rivals to register the most eligible students to vote and request their absentee ballots through the November election in the competition highlight video.
The competition is one of two college voter registration contests encouraged by the Secretary of State. Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University and Wayne State University will also compete against each other, according to Carter.
“It’s really important that students and staff alike all get out there and get their voices heard,” Carter said. “So that those who are elected can reflect the views and opinions of the communities they serve."
Students can find out more information about campus registration tables, voting events, and important dates regarding voter registration and the November election in the Voting at EMU tab on the school’s website.
The university has been recognized for its achievements in student voter engagement during the 2022 midterm elections, including awards for highest voter turnout, highest voter registration, and most improved voter turnout in the Mid-American Conference.
“Eagles, Chips and Broncos get registered now, and let the games begin,” Benson said in the video.
Students can register to vote using the QR below or at this link: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/RegisterVoter?referrer=emu
