As the 2024 presidential election draws near, many students are bound to have questions. Students may have questions about how to register to vote, where to vote, and what to expect on the ballot on Nov. 5. The Link Center has a resource, Jackets Vote, to help with those questions.
Isabella Lyste and Lakotah Littlehawk are both interns with the Link Center this semester supporting Jackets Vote.
Lyste said that she wanted to do the internship because of her history major; she was interested in learning more about the political processes surrounding voting. Littlehawk said she took a social work class that got her thinking about, “how much politics and policy affects everyone,” and saw it as an opportunity to learn more.
As the election nears, expect more signage from Jackets Vote to appear with voter registration information.
Photo: Jon Pearson | The Promethean
Jackets Vote is there to help and has recently put a course up on Canvas to provide information and help with common questions.
Lyste said that the page on Canvas has been used before and has been updated since it was used last. In addition, the team at the Link Center has different events being held this semester focusing on civil discourse and conversations around politics.
Voting for the first time can be intimidating; Littlehawk was a first-time voter not long ago. When asked what she would tell a student that’s never voted before, she said to know what’s going to be on the ballot, look at the mock ballots online, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you make a mistake.
For students who haven’t yet registered to vote, there is still time. Online voter registration closes on Oct. 15 in Minnesota and Oct. 16 in Wisconsin. Mail-in registrations must be post marked by those dates as well. In-person registration is open until and on the election day, Nov. 5.
For more information or help with voting, Jackets Vote can be contacted through the Link Center email (link@uwsuper.edu) or by stopping by the Link Center at Swenson Hall, Suite 1061.