Illinois State University has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) for its efforts to enhance democratic engagement during the 2022 midterm elections. The University was honored with the 2022 Illinois Campus Voting Challenge Most Improved Voting Rate: four-year Institution award.
Using newly released information on campus voting rates reported in the 2022 National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) report, ALL IN also awarded Illinois State University with the Silver Campus Seal for excellence in student voter engagement, which the University also received for the 2018 and 2020 elections.
“We are proud to receive this recognition, which further underscores Illinois State University’s commitment to fostering a civically engaged student body,” said Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule. “The fact that our campus has received this new honor along with other recent recognitions shows how Redbirds care for their community and the impact their vote can make.”
This accolade highlights Illinois State University’s dedication to advancing nonpartisan democratic participation and making it a core aspect of campus culture and life. Illinois State had previously been recognized as a 2022 ALL IN as a Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting.
The full list of Illinois Campus Voting Challenge Award winners further indicates a strong McLean County voter engagement front.
“We are fortunate to be located within a community that cares about democratic engagement and student participation, as evidenced by our partners at Heartland Community College also being recognized for both its voter registration rate and voting rate,” said Dr. Katy Strzepek, director of the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) at Illinois State University.
The CCE leads voter engagement efforts across Illinois State University along with the Voter Engagement Coalition. The center is hosting a Town of Normal Meet and Greet on September 16 and a Constitution Day event on September 17, both presenting opportunities for students to engage in community advocacy and to receive information on voter registration. The Redbird Voter Guide features relevant links and offers key voter information for the upcoming general election.
“The ALL IN Awards were created to celebrate nonpartisan democratic engagement and the outstanding campus voter registration and turnout rates achieved by our ALL IN campuses,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
“Ahead of the 2024 elections, ALL IN campuses are ready to build on the momentum from 2022 to ensure their communities are ready to make an even bigger impact this fall,” said Domagal-Goldman. “ALL IN is proud to celebrate and honor top-performing campuses, like Illinois State University, who demonstrate that nonpartisan student voter engagement is possible and effective.”
