Alabama Students Leading the Charge to Encourage Voters to “Do The Vote Thing”
Alabama – College students across Alabama are encouraging their peers to “Do The Vote Thing” through a GOTV narrative initiative developed by Alabama Values. The voting advocacy program is a peer-to-peer interactive learning experience to motivate young voters across the state to stay engaged and involved in elections year-round. This year the program selected 13 students from across the state to be Do The Vote Thing Influencers. Students on each campus will host voter registration house parties, “class raps”, launch social media campaigns, and other creative efforts to encourage students across Alabama to get out and vote.
“Do The Vote Thing” brings a unique element to voter initiative campaigns by leaning into the passion and talent of the students that are involved. While the program lasts a year, Alabama Values is partnering with Public Citizen, a nonprofit that fights to ensure that our government works for the people, to ensure the students are actively partaking in the voting process ahead of the 2024 elections. “Involving college students in organizing spaces is crucial because they bring fresh perspectives, energy, and innovative ideas,” shares Jalisa Giles, Secure Our Vote Campaign Coordinator with Public Citizen, “They are the future leaders and voters, and their engagement ensures the sustainability of our democratic processes. College students also help to amplify our efforts through their networks and social media presence, making our advocacy more dynamic and far-reaching.”
College students play a significant role in the future of our nation, and elections are directly impacted when young people feel that their vote matters. Research shows that 66% of college students voted in the 2020 election, which was a significant 14 percentage points higher than the 2016 results. 2020 saw another impressive statistic with an 80% yield rate with college students, meaning 8 out of every 10 students that registered to vote followed through in casting their ballots. Numbers are unfortunately lower in Alabama, with 62% of all eligible voters casting a vote in the 2020 election compared to the national percentage of 66%.
While percentages show Alabama is behind in voting rates, the state’s youth are not behind in envisioning a better United States for all people. Do The Vote Thing equips them with the knowledge and connections needed to make a difference in their communities. “Society is changing as we know it and young people are designing a world that reimagines freedom, safety, and governance,” shares Do The Vote Thing Program Coordinator Angel Alicea, “DTVT is equipping our young people to vocalize and activate their community for an equitable tomorrow.”
The students involved see the importance of this initiative as much as the program leaders. “My hope for this Campaign is to get as many people to go vote and to encourage them to not be afraid to vote,” shares Brooke Surles, a student at Alabama State University. “Raising awareness about the civic duty to vote is essential, especially for young people. With so much at stake in this election, it’s vital that Gen Z makes their voices heard,” adds Hill Godwin, who attends The University of Alabama.
Do The Vote Thing works to remove voter apathy from young Alabamians by highlighting the power of each resident’s vote and turning the voting booth into a place students are proud to visit on Election Tuesday. But voting isn’t the only way to harness the power of the next generation, which is why Do The Vote Thing students will be uplifting their communities in a multitude of ways. “For too long, young voices have been left out of critical conversations about the future of our communities,” Alabama Values Executive Director Anneshia Hardy reflects, “Do The Vote Thing is not just about voting—it’s about helping students recognize their power, tell their stories, and lead the charge for change. This initiative gives them the tools and the platform to make sure their voices are heard and their impact is felt.”
There’s an exciting feeling in the air on college campuses this semester, and it’s turning into a movement. “Do The Vote Thing” is a part of the change, as it encourages young leaders of today to work with their communities to create a better tomorrow. Visit www.dothevotething.org for more info.