September 20, 2022
Wildcats, be prepared to vote
Submitted by Thomas Lane and Parker Vulgamore
Some people have reoccurring nightmares about being unprepared. They dream about taking an exam without studying or walking into class before getting dressed.
For millions of people, this dream is reality every election day. Historically in the United States about 25% of eligible voters — 1 in every 4 — do not register. And without registration, you cannot vote.
Wildcats, be prepared. Voting is part of being a full citizen and it is a two-step process: first register, then vote.
You can complete step one today, National Voter Registration Day. National Voter Registration Day is celebrated every year on the fourth Tuesday of September. It's a nonpartisan civic holiday that honors our democracy and involves thousands of volunteers, nonprofits, businesses, schools, libraries and election officials from across the country.
Thanks to volunteer leadership from the Union Program Council and Student Governing Association, today Wildcats can find registration information from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Bosco Student Plaza. We strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of these resources.
Can't make it to Bosco Plaza today? K-State students who are U.S. citizens can register to vote in Kansas or check and update your registration at the secretary of state website or ksvotes.org. If you moved since the last election, you must update your registration. Check it now. In Kansas, you have until Oct. 18 to register or update your registration.
Students from elsewhere who want to vote in their home-state elections can find registration information at vote.org.
Democracy requires that we stay engaged, informed and prepared. Don't miss the opportunity to make your voice count in the general election Nov. 8. Let's make sure every Wildcat is #VoteReady.
Thomas Lane
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
Parker Vulgamore
Student Body President
For more information contact the Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy, formed in 2004 as an interdisciplinary, non-partisan organization in response to polarization and increasingly complex public issues that challenge democratic decision-making. The institute engages in research, education and service for a stronger democracy.