UWM has been recognized for its efforts to encourage students to vote by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
The university is one of 471 nationwide named as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The effort recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation.
UWM met all the criteria to be recognized, including participation in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge and the Higher Education Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation.
At UWM, students can find information about voting on the Panthers Vote webpage, including polling locations, how to register to vote and how to find what’s on the ballot.
Abby Meddaugh, associate dean of students and leader of UWM’s Panthers Vote effort, noted several other ways that the university encouraged students to participate in voting.
On key civic holidays and events such as National Voter Registration Day, Constitution Day and election days, UWM hosted tabling sessions in the Student Union that provided answers to voting-related questions, including registration, polling locations, proof of residence and absentee voting.
To promote registration and voter turnout, Panthers Vote created and displayed event-specific signage across campus, including the union, Welcome Center, residence halls and other major buildings. The Panthers Vote team, including coordinator Noelle Sporer, also participated in the Constitution Day reading at the UWM Peck School of the Arts, offering voter information and answering questions.
Voting was conveniently available on campus at the Welcome Center for student residents. During both the primary and general elections, Panthers Vote was on-site to assist students with proof of residence and address updates in their student accounts.
Other outreach efforts included:
- Joining the Do Something Story Booth series at Spaights Plaza, distributing voter information and voting swag.
- Engaging students during National Voter Education Week through activities like Pizza to the Polls, further strengthening support for campus voter engagement.
- Hosting a VP Debate Watch party in the Student Union.
