KU student voter engagement on a steady incline, with opportunities to engage in voter education this week

LAWRENCE — Traditionally, voter registration and turnout is higher in presidential election years compared with midterm years. However, the University of Kansas’ 2014, 2018 and 2020 consolidated report from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) indicates an upward trend in student voter registration and turnout for midterm years 2014 and 2018.

The voter registration rate and the overall voting rate for KU students has considerably increased since 2014, as has the voting rate for 18- to 21-year-old students. A factor that has decreased significantly each NSLVE reporting year is the gap between registration and turnout, meaning that more students who register to vote are actually casting their ballot.

The report showed voter registration among KU students was 65% in 2014, 77% in 2016 and then 79% in 2018 and 87% in 2020. It also showed overall voter turnout among KU students was 21% in 2014, 51% in 2016, then 45% in 2018 and 71% in 2020, for which KU was recognized. All previous single-year NSLVE reports for KU can be found online.

Voting is a habit-forming activity, so empowering 18- to 21-year-olds to vote early and often sets them on a trajectory to be lifelong voters.

“The division of Academic Success at KU envisions an inclusive environment in which all students graduate empowered to reach their fullest potential, develop into lifelong learners and make meaningful contributions to society,” said Susan Klusmeier, vice provost for academic success. “Engaging in civic action through voting, advocacy and other activities prepares Jayhawks to continue contributing to their communities after graduation.”

National Voter Education Week (NVEW), held Oct. 3-7 this year, supports communities in bridging the gap between registration and voting by providing new voters with tools and resources that build confidence in casting a ballot. For the third year, the KU Center for Service Learning will promote NVEW in partnership with the Civic Engagement Ambassador program.

The CSL is entering NVEW with a new tool this year. ALL IN To Vote is a voter engagement platform created by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The platform supports people who are beginning their voter registration process and is customized to KU. Offices, departments and organizations within the KU community may request a customized ALL IN To Vote link to promote among their constituencies by emailing csl@ku.edu.

As part of this week, the CSL will be partnering with The Commons and the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity to host the 12th installment of Educate and Act, focused on the Indian Child Welfare Act.

The CSL will also share resources about mail-in ballots, making a plan to vote and more on their social media platforms throughout the week. Participants are encouraged to share their voter education or civic engagement story as part of NVEW by using the hashtag #KUVotes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

“Even if you think you’re registered to vote, go check your registration and address, and request a mail-in ballot if you need one,” said Donnavan Dillon, KU sophomore and community organizer.

If you have not already registered to vote, there is still time to do so. Click here to complete, update, or confirm your voter registration.

Through community and campus partnerships, the KU Center for Service Learning advances service learning, community-engaged scholarship and civic engagement that fosters a commitment to participation for a diverse, just, and global society.