Despite the air getting cooler outside, the 2024 presidential election season is heating up across the nation, and Augustana College is taking measures to ensure that students are ready to vote. From voter registration drives to educational workshops, Augie’s campus has become a hub of activity, focused on informing, energizing and empowering students to use their vote.
The Thomas Tredway Library is at the forefront of these efforts, providing crucial resources to help students navigate the complexities of the election cycle. Kaitlyn Goss-Peirce, humanities research and instruction librarian, discussed the library’s initiatives.
“Historically, libraries have helped register people to vote and inform them about their rights,” Goss-Peirce said.
This year the library continues the tradition, offering key tools to help students understand how to register and participate in the election. One of the library’s major contributions is the Voting 101 LibGuide, which launched earlier this month. The guide focuses on providing the facts, so that students can form their own opinions.
“One of our goals is to make voting more accessible to students by offering clear, non-partisan information,” Goss-Peirce said.
The new LibGuide walks students through the registration and voting processes and provides information about not only each presidential candidate but also those running for congressional and state positions. Students can play different games to practice spotting disinformation and participate in a simulated election.
Participating in the very real upcoming election may feel like just casting a vote, but civic engagement can extend well beyond one action. Staying informed about local and national issues allows voters to compare their opinions with those of the candidates. Kai Swanson, special assistant to the president, said that communities are made more resilient by their own members.
“Each one of us protects democracy by being aware, staying abreast of the news and by voting,” Swanson said. “What builds stronger communities is where people are willing to put their bodies, talents and time.”
That might look like participating in local events, volunteering for community initiatives or engaging in discussions about important issues with peers. For Augustana students, civic engagement and discussion can be found right on campus.
The Delta Omega Nu fraternity (DON), in collaboration with Her Campus, organized a three-part DONs4Democracy event to educate students on voting and assist with voter registration. Brayden Atkisson, DON president, said that the initiative was aimed at cutting through the noise and focusing on voting itself.
“We see a lot of divisiveness in society, but it’s critical for students to engage with their civic responsibilities,” Atkisson said. “Regardless of how you want to vote or who you want to vote for, the important thing is that you do it.”
Although hate between opposite political parties in the U.S. is common, Augustana’s policy matches the one articulated by Atkisson: provide access to key resources and information and let students use their own voice.
“We don’t ever want to be preferential about one candidate, party or anything else like that,” Swanson said.
The DONs partnered with Her Campus, a nonpartisan media group with student-led chapters across the country, to host a voter registration drive. At the event, which took place ahead of the Oct. 20 registration deadline, students were able to ask questions about polling places, mail-in voting and more. Bryn Hansmeier, senior and co-president of Her Campus Augustana, said that the group’s focus on community transcends social boundaries.
“We have men in our group, non-binary individuals and female-identifying individuals,” Hansmeier said. “I feel like [Augustana] is a relatively safe space for women to thrive.”
Campus groups like Her Campus can provide necessary spaces to talk about issues that matter to students. Knowing when and where to express yourself, though, can be tough. Senior and Her Campus co-president Cristal Moreno Aguilar suggested attending an Augie politics club session to engage in conversation about even difficult topics.
“They usually have sessions for debates, speeches or anything like that so that people can discuss amongst themselves about it,” Moreno Aguilar said.
For students looking for conversations within a partisan context, Democrat and Republican Party clubs on campus provide opportunities to learn about specific candidates and their platforms. These clubs create forums for debate and discussion, helping students navigate the complexities of the political landscape.
However, the power of opening up conversations extends beyond formal events. Moreno Aguilar said that there can be a societal reluctance to discuss politics.
“It’s very taboo [to] talk about politics, and it’s usually looked down upon,” Moreno Aguilar said. “But if you genuinely don’t know about topics, maybe doing research with a friend could be very beneficial,”.
Her emphasis on dialogue underscores the importance of creating safe spaces for political discourse where students can share ideas and challenge assumptions. Swanson also weighed in on the significance of community engagement.
“If you don’t take the time to engage with knowledge and experience, then somebody can tell you something that is total horse hockey,” Swanson said. “That’s why engagement is much more than voting and reading candidate bias. It’s in your community, state and nation.”
Moreno Aguilar shared advice she received from a high school teacher about broadening one’s understanding of political issues.
“See what other countries are saying about our society and politics, but make sure that you are using trustworthy sources, such as the library,” Moreno Aguilar said.
While DONs4Democracy focused on voter registration and promoting civic engagement in general, the Augustana College Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) are taking a more policy-oriented approach. Led by junior Brooke Mills, the group is committed to educating students about the key political issues that will be on the ballot in November.
Mills, a computer science major and president of YDSA, believes that educating students about the stakes of the election is just as important as getting them registered to vote.
“A lot of students are voting for the first time, and the process can feel overwhelming,” Mills said. “We’re focused on reducing that stress by providing workshops and resources [and] offering non-partisan information about what’s at stake in this election.”
One of the key events YDSAs recently hosted was a workshop on voting logistics, which covered topics such as how to vote by mail, how to register to vote in Illinois and the locations of polling places on and near campus. While the information presented at the workshop was non-partisan, Mills emphasized the importance of students being aware of the broader political context.
“We’re focusing on educating students about key issues,” Mills said. “It’s not just about the candidates, it’s about understanding the potential impact of their policies.”
In addition to hosting workshops, YDSA is also actively involved in promoting labor rights and accessibility on campus. According to Mills, one of the group’s primary focuses for the year is addressing issues related to student labor; particularly the fact that Augustana pays its student workers less than the Illinois minimum wage.
“We’re working to raise awareness about wage disparities on campus and pushing for changes that would make it easier for students to afford their education,” Mills said. “We believe we can help make Augustana a more equitable and just place for all students.”
In addition to educational resources, the library is also creating a space for much-needed relaxation during this potentially stressful period. On Nov. 6, the day after the election, the library will host a self-care event designed to help students de-stress. QC Canines will also bring in therapy dogs between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to offer students some calm.
Through the efforts of student groups, faculty and the library, Augustana College is preparing its students not only to vote in the 2024 election but to become engaged citizens for life. From voter registration drives to workshops on key political issues, the campus is buzzing with activity, ensuring that students are informed, confident and ready to make their voices heard.
As the countdown to Nov. 5 continues, the eyes of the nation will be on these first-time voters, poised to make an impact in an election that could shape the future. Andrea Wanek, library administrative assistant at the Thomas Tredway Library, explained the role students and young people will play in this election.
“This election is not like anything we have ever seen in the history of our country,” Wanek said. “Gen Z can really make a huge difference. This is your time to make your voice heard.”
