A.S. Rock the Vote aims to increase voter engagement
The Associated Students campaign is providing members of the campus community with information on how to register to vote and participate in civic engagement
In honor of National Voter Registration Day and Constitution Day, San Diego State University’s Associated Students (A.S.) is partnering with campus organizations to promote ongoing civic engagement through its annual Rock the Vote (RTV) initiative.
On Sept. 17 at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union courtyard, A.S and the Center for Student Organizations and Activities will provide avenues for students to register to vote as well as educational resources. Throughout the year, RTV works to provide students with the resources, tools and education needed to participate in the democratic process. At the core of the initiative is a commitment to making voter registration and information readily available to the campus community.
“Our goal is to ensure students have the resources they need to register, stay informed and ultimately make their voice heard,” said Derrick Herrera, A.S. Vice President of External Relations. “It’s important to encourage respectful discussions about civic involvement and empower each other to take part in the democratic process.”
Involvement and the RTV campaign were highlighted in SDSU President Adela de la Torre’s year-opening address at the All-University Convocation on Aug. 22.
“Voting is one of the most powerful and constructive forms of civic engagement, and I’m grateful to Associated Students for prioritizing it in the SDSU community,” said de la Torre. “SDSU’s commitment to academic excellence is matched by our dedication to preparing our students to be informed, engaged, and responsible citizens.”
In California, the deadline to register to vote for the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 21. In addition to the presidential race, the ballot includes U.S. House and Senate races, state Assembly and Senate offices, 10 statewide ballot propositions and an assortment of county and local matters.
A.S. hopes to reinforce its commitment to civic education, offering ongoing access to resources to help campus members navigate participation.
“While the official California online voter registration deadline is Oct. 21, we’re reminding students that same-day voter registration is available in California as well,” Herrera said. “We urge everyone in the SDSU community to check their registration status and make sure they’re ready to vote.”
To register or re-register in California, campus community members should complete the California Online Voter Registration form. Those who have recently moved, may need to re-register to vote. Voter registration deadlines vary by state, but A.S. is ensuring students stay informed through the A.S. RTV website which breaks down key registration dates and deadlines for all 50 states.
To help spread the word, students and campus community members can anticipate a series of engaging RTV events and activities leading up to Election Day.
Earlier this month, RTV hosted a presidential debate watch event and a San Diego City Council District 9 candidate forum. On Sept. 18, RTV will host an educational session on advancing sustainability through civic engagement, featuring the City of San Diego’s chief sustainability officer. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre, where students can enjoy zero-waste Plant Power.
“We want to make sure students have the tools to stay involved and understand their role in shaping their communities,” Herrera said. “RTV is really about building a sense of responsibility and making sure students feel confident and prepared to make informed decisions that can create real change.”
For more information about upcoming events, campus community members are encouraged to follow @sdsurockthevote on Instagram or visit the A.S. RTV website.
