Emerson Voter Registration Coalition Preparing Students for 2024 Election Cycle

As the 2024 presidential election draws near, the Emerson Voter Registration Coalition (EVRC) is taking action to ensure students are informed, registered, and ready to vote. 

Led by Jen Nival, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership, and School of the Arts Librarian Cate Schneiderman from the Iwasaki Library, the Coalition’s mission is clear: to significantly increase voter registration and turnout.

“We’ve started engaging students early in the semester to give them plenty of time to register, request absentee ballots, and submit their votes before deadlines,” said Nival.

The EVRC is entirely nonpartisan, aiming to help students understand the candidates rather than urging them to vote one way or the other. 

“It is very important for any voter registration drive like ours to remain non-partisan, as we have no interest in who you vote for,” said Schneiderman. “We’re here to help you find information about issues, candidates, and policies.”

A key objective of the coalition is to empower students to take an active role in the democratic process. By organizing various community events and collaborating with Emerson entities like Emerson Together and SEAL, the coalition highlights the importance of student participation in elections. 

“Voter registration and civic participation are integral to Emerson College’s mission of preparing students for leadership roles, particularly in communication and the arts,” said Nival. “By engaging in the democratic process, students gain a deeper understanding of social issues, governance, and the importance of making informed decisions.”

Kayla Armbruster ’25, Executive Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Student Government Association and a member of the EVRC, emphasized the coalition’s role in honoring the legacy of those who fought for voting rights.

“Being part of the incredible coalition at Emerson that advocates for registration drives and educates students on the importance of voting is a small yet vital way to honor the men and women who fought for a right that many take for granted today,” said Armbruster. “The right to vote wasn’t granted to women until 1920, and for women of color, that fight took even longer [due to Jim Crow laws and voter suppression] and that’s exactly what it is: a fight. I never want to forget the sacrifices made for this privilege. Civic participation is not just our right but our responsibility.”

One of the coalition’s biggest challenges has been navigating the varying state voting regulations and deadlines, given Emerson’s geographically diverse student body. To address this, the coalition has focused on providing state-specific resources, and has partnered with external organizations like ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.  

“We’ve curated guides and tools to help students navigate the requirements of their home states, making sure they know the deadlines and the necessary steps,” said Nival. “Partnering with groups like ALL IN has allowed us to offer additional support and accurate information on state-by-state voting procedures.”

Despite the challenges, Schneiderman remains optimistic about Emerson’s potential to lead in voter registration among colleges.

“I would love for Emerson to be above the national average of college students voting,” said Schneiderman. “In the last election, our voter turnout was low, around 30 to 40 percent. My goal is to see that increase to 60 or 70 percent.”

As the election is only 50 days away, the coalition is ramping up its upcoming events with eight on-campus registration booths coming in October. Volunteers will be available to assist students with the registration process and to share more information about the upcoming election. 

“Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek out reliable sources of information,” said Nival. “Your voice and your vote have the power to make a difference, not only for this election but for the future of our communities and our country. Stay engaged, be proactive, and take this opportunity to make your voice heard.”

The Emerson Voter Registration Coalition will be outside of the dining hall on Tuesday, October 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 pm, to help register people to vote and learn more issues, ballot questions, elections, voting deadlines, and more.