“Princeton University has a longstanding commitment to service, reflected in Princeton’s informal motto – Princeton in the nation’s service and the service of humanity – and exemplified by the extraordinary contributions that Princetonians make to society.” – Christopher L. Eisgruber ’83, President of Princeton University
The National Study for Learning, Voting, and Engagement at Tufts University reports that 18% of college students, and 12% of college students aged 18-21 years old, voted in the 2014 United States midterm elections. This 2014 statistic is not an anomaly; unfortunately, when compared to voter turnout across all age brackets, young, college-aged voters have historically participated in presidential and midterm elections at significantly lower rates. Because we believe that engaging in civic discourse is core to being a Princetonian, these numbers illuminate a direct call to action and the birth of Vote100.
Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students (ODUS) and led by an enthusiastic team of student leaders representing a myriad of academic and co-curricular interests, Vote100 is an intentional campus campaign aspiring for 100% of the undergraduate student body to engage civically in the 2018 midterm elections. We aspire to create a dynamic and enthusiastic cohort of voters on campus this fall who are informed about how voting works and know where they can educate themselves on the issues and candidates appearing on the ballot. Our goal is to highlight the critical importance of electoral participation as an essential aspect of a vibrant democracy; we want all members of our community to pledge to participate in this and all future elections, showing that civic responsibility is a foundational characteristic of what it means to be a Princetonian.
Vote100 unabashedly and enthusiastically embraces the challenge that every eligible undergraduate voter will cast a ballot in the 2018 midterm elections and will commit to voting in all future elections in which they are eligible. For those in our community who are not eligible to cast a ballot in US elections, we invite and encourage them to commit to cast a ballot in every election anywhere they are eligible (i.e. international elections), to work with their peers to foster an energized and engaged voting environment on campus, or to take on personally meaningful civic issues in a purposeful way. If you are a part of our Princeton undergraduate community, you are a part of Vote100.
Join the Vote100 movement by making the pledge to participate in the 2018 midterms or any other applicable elections, and to engage civically through advocacy, service, or any avenue that is personally resonant.
