Hoping to mobilize the youth vote in an especially historic election, UMKC students held a resource fair to offer voters guides, sample ballots and encouragement.
Early voting has been underway in Missouri since October 22, with 41 million members of Gen Z eligible to vote this year.
UMKC graduate student and Civic Action Alliance member Adriana Paez , has worked on this event all semester.
“It’s not just about voting, but how we can engage in our communities and be informed in a way that we can raise the next generations to be more engaged, more active citizens who are taking part at all levels, local, state and federal,” said Paez.
Honest and open dialogue surrounding policy change are at the forefront of Paez’s passion for civic duty. She aims to normalize talking about politics and social issues that concern young voters.
“It is sometimes difficult to have conversations where it’s very polarized and people disagree, but I think it’s something that we need to do more,” Paez said.
Bethany Jordan, the assistant director for the Bloch Scholars Program, oversaw checking students and community organizations into the resource fair.
“We have everybody from different issues on the ballot. KCUR provided booklets about all the choices, whether you’re from Missouri or Kansas,” said Jordan.
The voter resource fair promoted inclusivity and diversity by offering guides from all sides of the ballot for students to make the best-informed decisions for themselves.
“We have information in English and Spanish. And for students looking for an internship in the government, we’ve got somebody with a list of those options available as well.”
The two-hour-long event proved to be successful as dozens of students trickled in to take part in voter engagement and pledged to vote by November 5. Many left with full hands and tote bags carrying stickers, election zines, candy and more.
Early voting is available now through election day. Check your voter registration status and find your polling place here.
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