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AGF is continually celebrating ten years of impact with the Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere Program. As we reflect on how the program has grown, the Campus Team at Bowling Green State University reflected on the past four years and their hopes for the future of civic engagement on the campus in Bowling Green, Ohio. 

Bowling Green State University has been an Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere campus since 2015! What barriers to voting existed on campus prior to 2015?

By reflecting on previous discussions and resources, prior to 2015, some of the primary barriers to voting on campus included a lack of awareness about voter registration deadlines and polling locations, limited access to absentee voting information for students who were out of state, and a general disconnect between students and local civic engagement efforts.

From what you know of how things were in 2015, when it comes to voting and civic engagement on campus, what are some of the most noticeable changes?

Since 2015, one of the most noticeable changes has been the increase in voter education initiatives, largely through programs like Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere. We’ve seen a more streamlined process for voter registration and absentee voting assistance. There has also been a noticeable shift in student involvement, with more students actively participating in civic engagement events like voter registration drives and service opportunities. Additionally, BGSU now hosts early voting initiatives, making voting more accessible and convenient for students.

How has the general campus’ perception of voting and civic engagement evolved since 2015?

Since 2015 there has been a strong emphasis on the importance of civic responsibility among students. Civic engagement is seen as an integral part of student life at BGSU, with many students recognizing the power of their vote in both local and national elections. This shift has helped normalize the conversation around political participation and brought more attention to the impact students can have on societal issues.

How has your Campus Team reflected on the legacy of Andrew Goodman, James Earl Chaney, Michael Schwerner, and Freedom Summer 1964 over these nine years?

Our Campus Team reflects on the powerful legacy of Andrew Goodman, James Earl Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, particularly during voter education events and service-learning projects. Their story reminds us that voting rights are tied to larger civil rights movements, and it inspires our commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity and resources to vote.

What are some ways that the Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere program has supported your efforts on campus to increase voter and civic engagement?

The Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere program has provided invaluable support through financial resources, training, and strategic guidance. Their national network has connected us with best practices from other campuses, helping us implement effective voter registration drives and peer-to-peer voter education. The program has also supplied us with grants for on-campus programming and materials for voter engagement, allowing us to reach more students across campus in a meaningful and impactful way. The Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere program has also provided us with essential resources allowing us to program meaningful nonpartisan engagement initiatives.

What are your hopes and dreams for what civic engagement will look like on campus four years from now?

In four years, I hope to see even deeper integration of civic engagement into student life at BGSU. Ideally, every student will have had some form of engagement with voter education, whether through classes, service-learning projects, or campus events. I also envision more robust partnerships with local and state organizations to further ease the voting process for students. Moreover, I hope to continually offer increased democratic engagement opportunities for students to not only participate in voting, but beyond elections, as well.

What are the team’s main goals to increase and support voter engagement and turnout in 2024?

For 2024, our main goals are to increase voter registration among students, expand early voting initiatives on campus, and improve turnout through targeted outreach, such as phone banking, engagement events, and social media engagement. We also plan to host more educational events around key election dates and issues to ensure students feel informed and prepared to vote. Additionally, we aim to recruit more student poll workers and build long-term partnerships with faculty to embed civic engagement into the curriculum.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’d like to highlight that BGSU Votes is not just about election seasons. We aim to foster a culture of continuous civic engagement, where students are encouraged to stay active year-round, advocating for issues they care about and participating in local governance. Our work doesn’t stop at voter turnout; it extends to educating students about the responsibilities of being informed and engaged citizens, no matter the election cycle.

Stay tuned as we continue our Campus Connections series, featuring each of our Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere Campus Teams, the impact made on campus, and how they are living the legacy during this pivotal point in our nation’s history.