Passaic Today

With the 2024 elections approaching, Montclair State University and colleges across New Jersey are intensifying efforts to get students registered and committed to voting. Through non-partisan voter registration events and engagement competitions like the Ballot Bowl, students are encouraged to participate in civic engagement.

These efforts are significant as the 18 to 29-year-old age group is one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in the country. Younger voters had a notable impact in recent elections, with over 50% of those aged 18 to 29 turning out to vote in the 2020 presidential election, according to the U.S. Elections Project.

“I look back to 2020 when New Jersey led the nation in youth voter turnout,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha L. Way. “The goal is not only to match that turnout but to surpass those numbers.”

Way spoke during the Ballot Bowl contest launch on September 16 at William Paterson University, aiming to tap into the competitive spirit of New Jersey’s colleges and universities. Campuses compete to register the most voters and secure voting pledges for Election Day.

Playfully dancing with college mascots, including Montclair’s Rocky and Roxy, and Bloomfield College’s Deacon the Bear, Way added, “More importantly, we want to ensure that college students understand their power to influence society by making their voices heard.”

The Ballot Bowl launch coincided with National Voter Registration Day. A giant patriotic slide, music, and games on Montclair’s campus attracted hundreds of students who registered and pledged to vote. Assemblyman Al Barlas (R-District 40) and Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-District 8) discussed with students the importance of voting.

“We aim to empower every student to have a voice,” said Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “This isn’t just about voter registration; it’s about shaping the future of our communities, state, and country.”

Montclair's student media outlets support this initiative by covering issues resonating with Gen Z voters such as climate change, student debt, and reproductive rights as part of their #FOCUS Democracy: Our Election series streamed on Hawk+.

Many Montclair students volunteer or intern for various candidates in the field.

Beyond voter registration, Montclair_Votes aims to foster nonpartisan discussions. “The challenge with elections is that you’re either engaged or you’re not,” says Warren Rigby ’23,’24 MA., coordinator for Montclair’s Office of Civic and Voter Engagement which sponsors Montclair_Votes events. “My role is to spark conversations about why some students don’t feel confident enough to make an informed voting decision.”

Rigby also stresses creating a voting plan whether it means voting by mail, participating in early voting or showing up at polls on Election Day.

Montclair spans two congressional districts which can be confusing for students living on campus who choose local voting. To address this issue Rigby’s office will provide detailed information about polling locations ballot options and voting procedures based on each student’s residence Insight into Diversity highlighted Montclair among colleges earning Voter Friendly Campus designation.

Montclair uses an online voter registration system making it easier than ever for students Register before Tuesday October 15 deadline The Last Chance Voter Registration event will be held Monday October 14 ensuring your voice is heard in general election Tuesday November 5

Visit Andrew Goodman Foundation website find out what address you are registered where your ballot mailed If registered home address live campus update voter registration plan trip home before Election Day

Any registered voter may apply vote-by-mail completing Application Vote-By-Mail Ballot returning application County Clerk received early mid-October request ballot least seven days before election Once receive ballot fill instructions mail free postage postmarked Tuesday November ballots received Board Elections Tuesday November count

Request overseas ballot visit Federal Voter Assistance Program U.S government website overseas American military citizen voters

Even if not eligible vote stay informed issues affect student Engage conversations friends help make voting civil discourse regular part life

Montclair now part Unify America nonpartisan organization brings together college students different perspectives foster civil productive discussions By joining take part meaningful conversations Sign up Unify America participate critical discussions

Learn more about voting college student vote.gov guide Learn more civic issues voter registration following Montclair_Votes Instagram