The University of Puget Sound, a private liberal arts school in Tacoma, Washington, has been nationally recognized as a campus with among the highest rate of voter turnout in the nation. For President Isiaah Crawford, PhD, who became the first African American president of Puget Sound in 2016 and also serves as a professor of psychology, this important distinction is the result of passionate engagement and intentional planning. Insight connected with Dr. Crawford, who shared his thoughts on their success and motivation.
College students have traditionally low turnout at the polls, even in presidential election years. What has made Puget Sound students such a civic-minded group?
Institutionally, we prioritize the work of preparing our students to meet the highest tests of democratic citizenship, and believe it is a core part of providing a holistic liberal arts education. Our dedication to this endeavor was the driving force behind our decision to join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge in 2016, where I currently serve on the Presidents’ Council. We have been intentional about cultivating a culture of non-partisan student democratic engagement and this philosophy guides the work of our Student Affairs team in their efforts to drive voter registration, which has been key in motivating students to participate in the electoral process, leading to impressive voter turnout rates.
We know that out-of-state students can have a more difficult time with the process of accessing and returning ballots. How are you helping solve that problem?
One of the primary obstacles for out-of-state students is the sometimes complex process of registering to vote in their home state. To address this, we created a dedicated voter engagement specialist position to assist them with the voter registration process, and this year we will implement a series of initiatives. One such effort is to include voter education and registration information in our residential curriculum. We will also conduct personalized email outreach to students, providing them with instructions on how to register in their home state.
Why is it important to you, and to the institution, that students participate in the voting process?
Puget Sound’s commitment to civic engagement is deeply rooted in our mission [“to develop … capacities for critical analysis, aesthetic appreciation, sound judgment, and apt expression that will sustain a lifetime of intellectual curiosity, active inquiry, and reasoned independence”]. We believe that preparing our graduates to be active and informed citizens is essential for a healthy democracy. By encouraging civic engagement, we are not only empowering our students but also contributing to the betterment of our society.
Casting my vote in a presidential election for the first time in the late 1970s was an incredibly powerful and emotional experience. Growing up in a family and community deeply rooted in the civil rights movement, I felt the weight and significance of the moment, knowing that my right to vote was secured through the immense sacrifice and relentless efforts of those who came before me. Even today, I never take this right for granted, always remembering the journey and struggles that made it possible.
What steps can other college leaders take to make their campus a voter-friendly space? What challenges do they face in doing so?
Creating a voter-friendly campus requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. College leaders can start by establishing a dedicated office or team to oversee voter engagement initiatives. Collaborating with local election officials is also crucial to ensure that students have access to the necessary resources. Additionally, providing students with voter education opportunities and making the registration process as easy as possible are essential. However, challenges such as limited resources, varying state laws, and student apathy can hinder these efforts. Overcoming these challenges requires a sustained commitment to civic engagement and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.●
