The right to vote is something that hasn't always been accessible to everyone but, now that it is, many are not taking advantage of their right. Incoming generations see voting as a chore, thinking it's too hard or too late for them to register. Some even believe their singular vote will not make a change. Kean Voting Squad is here to prove them wrong.
Kean Voting Squad started in 2020 with a group of African American femal students under the direction of Lauretta Farrell, director of the human rights institute. These students helped students register to vote in the upcoming elections both on-campus and remotely. The squad also encourgage students to follow through with their registration by voting, through the mail or in person, on Election Day.
“Making voter registration fun and accessible to all students,” Co-Captain and Classroom Facilitator for the Kean Voting Squad Chevon Williams said about being a member.
Kean Voting Squad's goal is to register as many members of the Kean community as possible. They also aim to motivate students to vote and turn out for Election Day. Originally, the squad was more focused on educating students on voting during COVID but they have expanded to an Ask Every Student format, encouraging all to vote.
"As a non-traditional graduate student, I’ve been voting since 1993. I’m passionate about civic responsibility and love getting young people engaged," said Co-Captain and Event/Social Media Coordinator for the Kean Voting Squad Mindy Goldstein.
Although it's too soon to tell if their goals will be met, Kean Voting Squad has high hopes for their efforts. This year, Election Day takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The University will be closed, so students can take advantage of their civic right and be free to vote whenever and wherever they choose.
If anyone wants to see a change happen or wants to have a say in their country, that is your right. Some students may feel like their voice doesn't matter in the grand scheme, but Kean Voting Squad tells you it does.
There are many important dates for those wanting to vote. The following are important deadlines when in comes to voting, as announced by the New Jersey Voter Information Portal:
- Oct. 18: Voter Registration for General Election Deadline
- Oct. 29 - Nov. 6: Early Voting Period
- Nov. 1: Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election
- Nov. 4: Deadline for Application to Receive General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voter
- Nov. 7 by 3 p.m.: Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election
- Nov. 8: General Election, Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the General Election, and Deadline for In-Person Submission of General Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election
- Nov. 14.: Deadline for Receipt of Timely Mailed Postmarked Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election
When it is time to vote, all Kean community members can find a ballot box outside of Wilkins Theatre on Union Campus or find out where to vote through the New Jersey Voter Information Portal.
Happy Voting, Cougars!
