The University of Southern Mississippi helped students prepare for upcoming elections by participating in National Voter Registration Day. This year, the civic holiday was observed on September 16. The nonpartisan event is dedicated to raising awareness about voter registration opportunities and encouraging participation in elections.
MSVotes-USM hosted a tabling event on campus to assist students with registration and provide information about the process. The University Libraries also organized a table and informational sessions.
“Things like college cost, and things like that, even relief, all of that is decided by the people you vote in, so voting them people in will help your future and get you out of bad situations,” said USM junior and registered voter Yojonte Naylor.
USM Librarian Nadine Phillips said the goal of the events is to encourage civic participation.
“We hosted a tabling last year and we had a great turn out,” Phillips said. “We really believe in helping people to do the best they can and be good citizens, so we certainly want people to register to vote.”
According to U.S. Census data, one in four Americans are not registered to vote. Each year, millions are unable to cast ballots due to missed deadlines, outdated registration or uncertainty about how to register.
National Voter Registration Day was first held Sept. 25, 2012, through the efforts of civic groups including the League of Women Voters, Voto Latino, HeadCount, Rock the Vote and Nonprofit VOTE. The event has since gained support from celebrities and volunteers across the country.
At USM, the initiative aims to support youth participation in elections.
“The whole crux of MSVOTE-USM is to reach the youth because we believe the youth in Mississippi aren't as informed as it could be,” said MSVotes-USM co-president Rosalyn Willis. “It’s really important especially in times now where voting turnout is not the best that we place an emphasis on making sure they know they're rights, making sure we know where to vote, how to vote, who to vote for, where to go and where to learn and you know you can only do that by meeting people where they're at.”
USM plans to continue offering students resources about voter registration, absentee voting, polling locations and Election Day requirements.
“It feels great because I get a chance to decide my future, who represents me and who is on call to change things around for the better. Being registered to vote is one step closer to that,” Naylor said.
For more information on voter registration in Mississippi, visit msvote.org.
