Rio Salado College was recently recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge with the Silver Seal Award for its efforts in promoting student voter engagement during the 2022 midterm elections - the most recent data available. This award highlights the college's dedication to fostering an environment where civic engagement and voting are core values of student life. The efforts, led by Student Life & Leadership, resulted in high student voter participation, which is a great achievement for Rio Salado’s commitment to democracy.
The ALL IN Challenge is a national initiative that encourages colleges and universities to engage their students in nonpartisan democratic participation. Rio Salado, along with more than 500 other campuses, was recognized based on data from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE). According to the NSLVE, the 2022 midterms saw the second-highest student voter turnout for a midterm election since the study began. As we look ahead to the 2024 elections, this momentum is a strong sign of continued success.
“Earning the Silver Seal is a great honor that propels us forward in our mission to expand student and civic engagement,” said Kate Packer, director of Student Life & Leadership. “This year presents an incredible opportunity to empower our students, staff, and community to become confident voters and active participants in shaping positive change both locally and nationally.”
Rio’s increased efforts include providing nonpartisan resources across virtual, in-person, and hybrid platforms. Rio Salado Student Fellows and PTK students are stepping up as leaders, driving voter education and engagement with passion and purpose.
Nine schools within Maricopa Community Colleges were recognized altogether, including Rio Salado, for various efforts.
“The ALL IN Awards were created to celebrate nonpartisan democratic engagement and the outstanding campus voter registration and turnout rates achieved by our ALL IN campuses. Ahead of the 2024 elections, ALL IN campuses are ready to build on the momentum from 2022 to ensure their communities are ready to make an even bigger impact this fall,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
Why It Matters
According to data collected by Tufts University, student voter turnout during the 2022 midterm elections was the second highest in recent decades. Furthermore, students attending ALL IN campuses voted at a rate two percentage points higher than the national average, demonstrating the effectiveness of nonpartisan, democratic engagement initiatives in higher education. Maricopa Community Colleges has a long history of promoting civic engagement in the classroom and beyond. Through college-centered civic engagement programs, like Service Learning, Student Government, the Maricopa Student Senate, and the Student Board Member position, students develop leadership skills while gaining real-world experience.
Register to Vote: Rio Salado encourages active civic engagement. You can take the first step by registering to vote online at ALL IN to Vote.