The U of A has been named a Voter Friendly Campus by the Fair Elections Center's Campus Vote Project and NASPA. The initiative recognizes institutions that have planned and implemented practices that encourage their students to register and vote. The U of A joins 272 campuses in 39 states and the District of Columbia to earn this distinction.

The mission of the 2025 Voter Friendly Campus designation is to bolster colleges' and universities' efforts to help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process every year, not just during years featuring federal elections. The U of A was evaluated based on plans for voter registration, education, engagement and turnout among student voters in 2024 and an analysis of those efforts.

"Civic engagement opportunities happen every year, not just during an election year," said Nora Cowen, vice president of the registered student organization Democracy Fellows. "From city council initiatives to advocating for what you believe in, it's important to use your voice."

In fall 2024, as part of its commitment to becoming a Voter Friendly Campus, the U of A took significant steps to enhance civic engagement. A collaborative effort led by Katie Brocklesby in the Center for Community Engagement resulted in 23 events focused on civic education and voting, 142 new voter registrations and the launch of a campus-wide Voter Participation Committee that brought together students, staff and faculty to coordinate and strengthen voter engagement efforts across campus.

"The Center for Community Engagement has grown dynamic efforts to inform students — and to support students in educating their peers - about important opportunities for civic engagement and the responsibility we share in a democracy," said Quincy Spencer, assistant vice chancellor for student engagement. "We are eager to continue refining our tactics, expanding our efforts and engaging students through 2025 and beyond."

The institutions designated Voter Friendly Campuses represent a wide range of two-year, four-year, public, private, rural and urban campuses, collectively serving over 4 million students.

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Our work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries and eight U.S. territories.

Fair Elections Center is a non-partisan organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of our democracy through innovative efforts focused on voting rights and civic engagement. Fair Elections Center's Campus Vote Project works with universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting and helps campuses institutionalize reforms that empower students with the information they need to register and vote.