04 Nov ASI’s Titans Turnout Boosts Student Engagement Ahead of Election Day
Amidst a very busy and climactic election season, Oct. 21 marked the final day for online voter registration in California. To encourage voting amongst students, Associated Students Inc. hosted Titans Turnout, a voter registration event at the Cal State Fullerton campus. The event encouraged students to register to vote in preparation for the election happening on Nov. 5, 2024.
Knowledge, Information and Resources at your Fingertips
Project Rebound was one of many resource tables students could get information from. / Credit: ASICSUF on Flickr
ASI greeted Titans with a resource fair to help inform them on different social issues being dealt with in today’s political climate. Students were met with smiling faces ready to help them with any questions or concerns they had. Some asked questions like why they should register to vote, which propositions would be better to support if they’re from a certain economic background or which candidates to support for the state election.
Those who attended Titans Turnout had the opportunity to view and discuss different resources and information. The support from the Titan Dreamer Resource Center, the CSUF Diversity Initiatives and Resource Centers, and Project Rebound amongst others were crucial for making Titans Turnout even more successful.
“I love the ambiance. There are so many resources available out here,” said Titans Turnout attendee Franchesca Palomar. Palomar was just one of hundreds of students who spoke with the different tables set up by ASI to help Titans make informed voting decisions.
Emphasizing Leader’s Voices
President Rochon and President Morales share a smile as they interact with resource tables. / Credit: ASICSUF on Flickr
ASI student government leaders gathered to rally students to register to vote as well! Taking time away from their classes, the ASI board members carried smiles, enthusiasm and passion throughout the event as they sought to educate students on voting resources. One such member was ASI Lobby Corps Commissioner Juan Salguero who used his voice to encourage and empower his fellow Titans to make their voice heard.
“It’s really good opportunity to engage students civilly,” Salguero stated. “We’re very privileged to get the opportunity to vote, so being informed about all sides is super important.”
CSUF President, Ronald Rochon and ASI President Joe Morales even stopped by to show their support for Titan voters. Their appearance brought a sense of unity amongst attendees, showing that even those who hold a title such as president need to participate in civic engagement.
Ballot Bowl 2024
ASI board leader Jared Brown holds up a sign with a QR code students could scan to register to vote. / Credit: ASICSUF on Flickr
Every election cycle, different colleges and universities throughout California hold the Ballot Bowl . The Ballot Bowl displays civic engagement efforts amongst California college students while boosting voter registration among younger generations. The Ballot Bowl information is updated every week, determining which schools are in the lead. As of Oct. 28, CSUF places first amongst all California State Universities and fourth amongst all participating universities in California.
Winning the Ballot Bowl will crown the victor as the Ballot Bowl Champion of 2024. Despite it being a competition for California college campuses, the true winners are the students who participate in the election.
CSUF holds the reigning Ballot Bowl winner title as of 2020, with a bright future ahead for the 2024 election.
Make Your Voice Heard
Four students from the Political Science Student Association hold up pamphlets explaining the importance of voting. / Credit: ASICSUF on Flickr
For first time voters like transfer student Jazyiah Skyers, Titans Turnout ended up being a useful opportunity to inform and educate themselves. “I wanted to be more knowledgeable about voting,” said Skyers. “Millions of people have the mentality that ‘My vote doesn’t matter’ but that’s millions of votes that can make a difference,” Skyers continued, emphasizing that she won’t be one of those millions.
Although ASI hosts resource fairs and events such as Titans Turnout to encourage voting participation, instilling change is only possible if students take the time to register to vote, viewing themselves as active members of society who can make a difference.