In a delightful and meaningful event held at the Yale Schwarzman Center’s Commons, nearly 500 students recently converged to indulge in brownies, pies, donuts, and selfies with the beloved mascot, Handsome Dan. However, this gathering wasn’t solely about satisfying sweet cravings; it marked a crucial step for these students in their journey towards participating in American democracy—registering to vote.
“Democracy and Dessert,” organized as part of the Belonging at Yale initiative, received sponsorship from Yale Votes, a newly launched initiative under the purview of the Office of the Secretary and Vice President for University Life (OSVPUL). The event welcomed all students, regardless of their voting eligibility, but the festive ambiance resonated with the significance of the moment for many, as they became eligible to vote for the first time.
Students availed themselves of the opportunity to register through Yale TurboVote, an online voter registration platform, either independently or with the guidance of trained peer registration assistants.
Yale Votes stands as a non-partisan endeavor on campus, aimed at elevating civic engagement among undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Its mission extends beyond electoral cycles, intending to foster a sense of belonging through active participation in the democratic process. The initiative also strives to provide resources and support for voter registration and turnout, with a particular focus on the buildup to the 2024 presidential election.
Yale President Peter Salovey emphasized the university’s commitment to encouraging students to play an active role as citizens and voters. “Taking part in our democratic system is one of the most important ways individuals can help create change and work toward solving society’s most urgent problems,” President Salovey stated.
In addition to creating a sense of belonging and facilitating discussions with diverse perspectives, Yale Votes offers valuable resources and educational materials to streamline the voting process, ensuring it is straightforward and accessible for all eligible students. This includes guidance on participating in Connecticut elections.
Yale Votes originated from the student-led Yale Votes Initiative and continues to involve students actively, particularly in peer education and outreach efforts. The OSVPUL oversees administrative aspects of voter registration and engagement, such as coordination with residential colleges for absentee ballots.
Yale TurboVote, an online platform, plays a pivotal role in this initiative. It allows students to check their registration status, register to vote, subscribe to election reminders, and apply for an absentee ballot. By harnessing data from this platform and other sources, Yale Votes aims to gain insights into registration and turnout trends, better understanding student needs and areas where enhanced education and outreach are required.
Furthermore, the university participates in the national ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, providing a structured framework for universities to enhance democratic engagement and voting on their campuses.
In the months ahead, Yale Votes plans to offer more opportunities for students to engage in campus conversations, deepen their understanding of issues, and hear diverse perspectives. As Kimberly Goff-Crews, the Secretary and Vice President for University Life, noted, “With Yale Votes, we want to give our students the resources to take on the responsibilities of being informed, engaged citizens, to participate in and celebrate the democratic process.”