UTSA Strives to Increase Civic Engagement
Comprised of actions and attitudes associated with democratic governance and social participation, civic responsibility can include participation in the government. The importance of civic responsibility is to ensure balance and that democratic values written into the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are upheld. Responsibilities include both those that are voluntary as well as those required by law. While not mandatory, voting, staying informed, and community involvement are central to our democracy.
“We know that voter engagement is typically lowest amongst young adults. Similar to the Student Government general elections, we aim to empower and educate students on the voting process and the candidates. This is just one of the many rights that we have as citizens of the United States. We hope that all students fortunate enough to be able to participate in the democratic process recognize the power that they hold and ensure that their voices are heard.” – said Jasmin Paquet-Durand Ford, 2022-2023 Student Body President. Roadrunners in Action, a campus wide initiative to promote voter education, is partnering with nonpartisan nonprofits like MOVE Texas, UTSA Student Government Association (SGA), Texas Rising, and additional student organizations to host a voter registration drive. This Drive will take place on Tuesday, September 20 in the Sombrilla. Voter deputy registrars will assist individuals in completing the registration process and answer any questions. The event is open to all UTSA community members and the public.
The UTSA Center for Civic Engagement will continue to support all Roadrunners and campus and community partners in the collective effort to increase voter participation and build on the momentum of student activism over the past few years. In recent weeks, the Center for Civic Engagement staff facilitated training sessions for students at UTSA ahead of National Voter Registration Day! These students will serve as Voter Deputy Registrars to assist those interested in registering to vote. Zachary Nepote, SGA Executive Director shared how “increasing voter turnout is crucial for the sake of our democracy. Voting increases awareness and civic engagement, which promotes necessary discussions about the state of our nation.”
Understanding the university’s role in connecting and helping students understand their constitutional rights is important. Students, faculty and staff can access RowdyLink to learn more and to sign up for future training opportunities/events offered at the University.
Anyone interested in a presentation on student voter turnout at UTSA or partnering to promote voter engagement may contact Noelani Cubillos-Sanchez at Noelani.Cubillos-Sanchez@utsa.edu.
Local Ways to Register:
Check your voter registration status.
Familiarize yourself with the voting machines.
Please note new election laws effective in 2022.
View generic sample ballots for the Democratic Party or the Republican Party.
