University Park

Penn State makes Washington Monthly's 2021 Best Colleges for Student Voting

Student leaders assist students with registering to vote leading up to elections in 2019 as part of PSU Votes efforts.  Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has earned a spot in Washington Monthly’s 2021 Best Colleges for Student Voting honor roll due to its efforts in encouraging students to cast their ballots each election.

The honor roll uses data from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge and the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) to determine which schools make the cut. This round included Penn State’s University Park campus in the lineup of 205 colleges and universities nationwide.

This achievement highlights Penn State’s commitment to educating students about the importance of voting and providing information on how to cast a ballot. Penn State Student Affairs provides resources for students seeking information about why they should vote, where and when they may vote, and how they can make an informed decision at the polls. There is also key information to help out-of-state students decide whether they should vote in Pennsylvania or in their home state’s elections.

Through initiatives such as the University Park Undergraduate Association’s “PSU Votes” campaign and the University’s participation in the aforementioned ALL IN challenge, Penn State strives to increase student voter turnout each election.

According to Washington Monthly, the youth voter turnout increased in the 2020 presidential election thanks in part to student organizers who have pushed for voter engagement among young people.

Tim Balliett, director of Penn State’s Center for Character, Conscience, and Public Purpose, which oversees Student Affairs’ voter education efforts, said Penn State works hard to help students understand their rights as citizens, including the “important privilege and responsibility to vote in elections.”

“I think our recent recognition really speaks to the concerted efforts of student leaders, faculty, Student Affairs staff and administration to assist our students in being active, engaged voters,” Balliett said.

Last Updated October 8, 2021