SalveVotes initiative encourages active participation in democracy

Civic engagement = empowerment

The New York Times reported that half of Americans believe our political system is too divided to solve the nation’s problems. The overwhelming-ness of it all, especially in the final push of a presidential election, is causing some to tune out the news, stop talking politics with family and friends, or avoid expressing our true ideological opinions.

Salve works to help students establish their voices and their power in the decision-making process that will shape our collective future. The goal is to make it easy for students to get involved in the democratic process without feeling bogged down by it.

Throughout the year the SalveVotes logo will appear across campus, Instagram, organizations, teams and programs that students may participate in. That’s a signal to students that there’s an opportunity to wield their civic power.

How can students get involved?

For those who are not satisfied with the current state of things, the first step is to vote. Then, if individuals have the time and privilege, they can do more. Here’s a rundown of the fall semester events to look for. Check the events calendar for details.

Voter registration drives

Experts will be on hand to answer all voting-related questions and get students registered in their home states or in Rhode Island.

Saturday, August 31, on the Drexel/Stoner lawn from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. For more information, go here.

Tuesday, September 17, National Voter Registration Day, at Miley Hall from 1 – 5 p.m.

Tuesday, October 1, in the O’Hare Academic Building from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Civic engagement fair: Tuesday, October 29

In celebration of Vote Early Day, the fair highlights campus clubs and organizations focused on civic engagement. Students can participate in discussion spaces, raffles and more. Time and location of the fair can be found here when available.

Pell Center events

Watch this space for upcoming roundtables and lectures about the upcoming election, health of the U.S. democracy and political polling results.

Getting started

Students do not need to wait for events at Salve to start getting involved. On their own they can:

• Make sure they understand their state’s voting requirements.
  • If they are a permanent resident of Rhode Island, they can go to vote.sos.ri.gov/.
  • If they are voting out of state, they can go to allintovote.org/.
• Do their research. What is on their state’s ballot this year? Who is running for what?
  • Knowing where candidates stand on key issues empowers voters to make the choice that best represents their personal values.
  • Vote (early, via mail, or in person) for their state’s primary and the general election.
• Lobby local representatives.
  • Frustrated by a state law? The electoral college? Gerrymandering? Students can contact their state or Congressional representatives and let them know. They may be surprised by how responsive their representatives can be.
• Get involved in local government.
  • Students can get paid as poll workers to ensure a free and fair election.
  • They can also get involved with Salve’s Student Government Association, College Democrats or College Republicans.

Engaging in the democratic process is an empowering experience. With SalveVotes, students can get familiar and get involved!