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FALL 2024
By Greg Gatlin
Illustrations by Vivian Mineker
Access and opportunity aren’t just pillars of Suffolk University’s mission; as Rachael Cobb, associate professor of political science & legal studies, points out, those “twin values” are also embedded in our nation’s identity. “American democracy is based on the idea that every eligible American citizen has the right to vote,” she says—to make their voices heard about issues that impact their lives, whatever their background or political persuasion.
Yet many Americans don’t take advantage of their right to vote. Some lack necessary information; others believe their votes don’t matter; and still others encounter barriers that prevent them from exercising this right.
That’s why Suffolk has undertaken an ambitious, nonpartisan action plan aimed at getting students engaged in the political process. On Election Day, President Marisa Kelly has activated alternative learning plans so that students can use the day to vote, to campaign for the candidates and causes they believe in, or to volunteer at polling stations.
“With passion and purpose, Suffolk students are working across the University, throughout the city of Boston, around the Commonwealth and the region, and even nationally and internationally, to make sure that people do have a voice in the political system, and in our democracy,” Kelly says. We’re excited to share some of their work here.
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HOW THE SUFFOLK COMMUNITY PARTICIPATES IN DEMOCRACY.
No Time to Waste
Suffolk Votes is a campus-wide, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to increasing student voter registration and civic engagement. With guidance from co-chairs Trina Bryant, director of the Center for Community Engagement, and Rachael Cobb, associate professor of political science & legal studies, Suffolk Votes student ambassadors educate and register their peers, hold community outreach events, organize “voter walks” on Election Day, and volunteer to staff the polls. Since its founding in 2012, it has significantly increased student voter participation, with nearly 70% registered and 60% voting in the 2020 election.
Suffolk Votes
PLUS,
Suffolk Votes student volunteers hit the streets of Boston to register hard-to-reach voters
Beating the Drum for Ballot Issues
With their ‘Turn It Over’ campaign, student marketing agency reminds voters to complete both sides of the ballot
SUFFOLK GOES
All IN
The University has prepared a campus-wide action plan to expand civic education and voter participation
Any Questions?
With their weekly nonpartisan podcast, Professors Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber and Rachael Cobb are working to empower voters by demystifying the political process
The Youth Whisperers
Suffolk’s not-so-secret weapon to more accurate polls? A direct line to Gen Z.
‘Your Voice and Vote Matter’
That’s the message that junior Lyndsey Pettengill is sending to young swing state voters through her work with NextGen America
Combatting Complacency
Suffolk Law students are making the case against voter apathy