Election day, ballot integrity and voting
Civic engagement is a top priority for Colorado Mesa University. Conversations with the campus community and specifically students about why they should cast their ballot and the power behind civic involvement are ever present on campus.
Historically, young voters have shown up to the polls at a much lower rate than other age groups. Yet, recent research shows that young voting increased across the country in the 2020 elections. The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement data said that in Colorado, 64% of eligible voters aging from 18-29 cast a ballot in 2020. According to the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education, the national student voting rate in 2020 was 66%, that’s up from the 52% in 2016 election.
One of the ways CMU promotes the importance of civic engagement in young voters is through the Civic Forum. The CMU Civic Forum is a series of panel discussions that are meant to educate and create thought-provoking dialogue on campus. In a recent discussion, Marshall was joined by former Secretary of State Wayne Williams to discuss ballot integrity and voting. Williams was recently tasked with supervising Mesa County elections after the Mesa County Board of County Commissions unanimously voted to contract him for the November 2021 election.
Students and community members have access to a polling station on campus as well as a ballot drop off box outside the Robinson Theatre. On November 2 the polling station will be open from 7am to 7pm. CMU encourages the campus community to take part in the election and to have their voices heard.
Those interested in the Civic Forum discussion with Marshall and Williams can view the conversation on the Civic Forum and on YouTube.