As the 2024 Presidential election looms closer, Sacred Heart University is taking action to encourage voter registration among students.
In addition to campus organizations such as the Pioneer Vote club, the university seeks to promote voting through Get Out the Vote (GOTV) organization and a No Vote: No Voice registration drive that took place on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m on 63’s lawn.
The No Vote: No Voice event provided paper ballots for student use and offered logo bracelets as an incentive for attendance.
Sacred Heart offers different initiatives around campus that promote education and open conversation about politics, such as clubs like SHU College Democrats, SHU College Republicans and Pioneer Vote.
Source: Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University.
“Pioneer Vote is a bipartisan organization dedicated to educating students on the importance of civic engagement. We foster a judgment-free zone no matter your political beliefs,” said senior Rebecca Brower, President of Pioneer Vote.
Brower explained that although Connecticut is a blue state, students with opposing opinions should not consider that an excuse not to vote.
“Connecticut may be a blue state now, but it might not always be. If people don’t vote, we will never see any positive change or accurate representation. We all get a say in the decisions being made in the country,” Brower said.
It isn’t just student-run organizations emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming election. President Dr. John Petillo is encouraging students to go out and vote.
“It is critical for you to vote as it is a chance to influence issues and decisions that directly affect your lives,” said Petillo. “You should make sure you are registered and vote every year, but the current election encompasses issues that will directly impact your lives. These [issues] include education policies, student loans, climate change and more.”
Sophomore Alexa Gardner said that she feels comfortable sharing her beliefs at SHU. “It is easy to share my beliefs at a school where people prioritize their relationships over contradicting opinions and want to hear what you have to say,” she said.
However, not all students feel the atmosphere is welcoming enough for them to speak up.
“I could have a best friend for years but now in this political climate having different views tears people apart,” said junior Kameron O’Hara.
Petillo feels that it is vital for SHU students to be connected to the community that will be their home for the next four years.
“We are a part of the surrounding communities. There are things that happen in local elections that could impact you. It’s important to learn about what those issues are. As a student body, your collective voice is incredibly powerful,” said Petillo.
“We are all spending around four years in Fairfield, no matter where you are from. Students should want to be a part of what’s happening in our community,” said Brower. “I want students to realize they need to educate themselves on which candidate will improve our lives and the country as a whole.”
Through Pioneer Vote and registration drives, Sacred Heart continues to encourage civic engagement.
Though not everyone feels they can share their opinions freely without judgment on campus, Pioneer Vote is trying to spread the word that no one can take your voice away at the polls.
“The Pioneer Journey calls for challenging conversations about important issues, the celebration and discussion of new ideas, while respecting the dignity of others. I hope you all will get out there on November 5 and exercise your right to vote,” said Petillo.
