USD Votes Leads Voter Engagement Efforts

The student club USD Votes has made significant strides in promoting voter engagement at the University of San Diego over the past year. The club organized more than 30 tabling events, participating in key campus activities such as Ole Weekend, Alcala Bazaar, and the CAS Arts and Culture Fair. Collaborations with Fraternity and Sorority Life and outreach efforts after Sunday Mass further expanded their reach.

In addition to these events, USD Votes conducted over a dozen classes for various groups, including Scholastic Assistants, LLC faculty, and the Honors Student Board, ensuring that essential stakeholders were well-informed about the voting process.

To connect directly with students, USD Votes sent out more than 8,500 targeted texts and emails detailing how to register and request ballots in their respective states. Their vibrant social media presence included dozens of Instagram posts that reached thousands of followers. Informational signs were placed at tram stops, and flyers were distributed throughout campus and residence halls to maximize visibility.

With generous support from benefactor Dr. Mary McKenzie, USD Votes maintained an informative website, USD Votes Campaign, providing accurate voting information for every state. The initiative also featured giveaways such as stickers, phone pockets, and insulated cups, which students could earn by discussing voting with their peers.

A special acknowledgment goes to Dr. Dominguez, the faculty advisor for USD Votes, whose unwavering dedication has been instrumental in spreading the word about voter engagement on campus. Her commitment to empowering students and fostering a culture of civic responsibility has inspired many and significantly enhanced the club's outreach efforts.

While the impact of these efforts on voter turnout will take time to assess, USD Votes has already received recognition for its commitment to student voting. The club won a silver award for its initiatives in 2022 and has been acknowledged by the All In Democracy Challenge as one of the Most Engaged Campuses for Student Voting in 2024.

As USD Votes looks ahead to the next election cycle in 2026, the club expresses gratitude for the support received and is eager to continue its mission of fostering civic engagement among students.