NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – With one of the most anticipated presidential elections just days away, Tennessee State University students are actively ensuring that their voices are heard, and their votes are counted. Student leaders will hold a series of voter education and civic engagement initiatives to mobilize fellow students for the upcoming General Election. Events include rallies, a social media campaign, and an Election Day Watch party Nov. 5, from 7-10 p.m., at the Floyd-Payne Campus Center. Absentee ballot awareness is a major focus to help registered students to vote in other areas.
Chrishonda O’Quinn, Student Government Association President, emphasized her administration’s commitment to civic engagement since the start of the fall semester. In a push to maintain momentum leading up to the election, TSU’s student Instagram platform features a countdown to Election Day campaign, fostering excitement and engagement within the student body.
“We started with voter registration, holding an open house with voter registration tables in the campus center where students could register on the spot,” said O’Quinn. “We also organized a voter awareness rally and, in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations, hosted an empowerment panel discussing the significance of voting, complete with student performances that really energized our peers to get involved.”
Under the theme, “Be Empowered Tigers,” TSU students are mobilizing to maximize voter participation and education. Dr. Bridgett Golman, Vice President of Student Affairs, expressed the university’s dedication to ensuring students are well informed about the voting process and their rights.
“At Tennessee State University, we believe in the power of our students’ voices,” Golman said. “It is crucial for every student to understand not only how to vote but also the impact that their participation has on their community and the future of our nation. We are committed to providing them with the resources and knowledge they need to make informed decisions.”
Many students are taking their responsibility to vote seriously. Mecca Sales, a junior majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences, shared her perspective. “I think the election is very important, especially as a person of color. It is vital to take advantage of the freedoms we have fought hard to obtain. I will be going home to cast my ballot.”
Fellow student Dashia Ramsey, a junior in Nutrition and Dietetics from Birmingham, Alabama, shared her experience voting via absentee ballot. “This election is crucial for us to express our voices. Our ancestors paved the way for us to vote, and it is essential that we participate. TSU is doing an incredible job facilitating voter registration events and helping us be heard.”
University officials are equally committed to energizing students about civic participation. Cristal Roach, Assistant Dean of Student Activities, highlighted the importance of being involved not just in presidential elections but also in local and state elections. “We want students to understand the significance of voting and to actively take part in the electoral process, especially first-time voters who may not know the requirements,” Roach stated. “We’re making it fun and informative, with activities centered on real issues that students care about.”
The purpose of the events are to promote an understanding and interest in the political process. The Student Election Commission will play a major role in the proceedings, ensuring that students are aware of voting rights.
For more information on TSU’s civic engagement activities or to get involved, please contact the Office of Student Activities at (615) 963-5250, or visit https://www.tnstate.edu/activities.
