Roughly 15 members attended an Associated Students of Madison meeting Wednesday to discuss the Voterpalooza initiative to increase voting participation.
Voterpalooza is meant to emphasize civic engagement and increase the number of students that vote in elections.
The meeting was hosted by ASM representatives Courtney Morrison, and Yogev Ben-Yitshack. In addition to the elected or appointed students, student employees, professional staff members and roughly 200 ASM student appointees on committees were present.
According to an official ASM press release, in-state students that bring either a Wisconsin Driver License or Wisconsin State ID Card can register using Wisconsin’s new online voter registration program.
Out-of-state students must register using paper forms provided by ASM officials, memorize the last four digits of their social security number and provide proof of residence, according to the press release.
“If this past election cycle told us anything, it is how important every single vote is,” the press release stated. “Decisions are constantly made that impact every aspect of our lives, and it is extremely important that we elect representatives who hold our best interest at heart.”
Campus leaders advocate for out-of-state student voting rights
While some logistical details of the event were still being decided, members were concerned with attracting a higher turnout for the event. Some were concerned cold weather would stop students from showing up Friday, however, Ben-Yitshack addressed the concern by making reservations for backup space inside of the Student Activity Center where tables can be set up for registration.
Although the online registration system is straightforward, Rep. Billy Welsh still encouraged members to attend a workshop hosted by the Morgridge Center for Public Service Thursday on how to use online and fill out paper registration forms.
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As the meeting came to a close, Morrison emphasized all students are encouraged to stop by Voterpalooza to register to vote while ASM officials were available to walk them through the process.
“Voting is the cornerstone of democracy,” Morrison said. “As a campus located at a state capitol, it is so imperative that all students participate in this event.”
ASM members will be present Friday afternoon 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Library Mall to register students to vote.
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Correction: A previous version of this post contained several inaccuracies about the meeting. The article has since then been updated to include the correct information. The Badger Herald regrets these errors.
