Grand Valley State University recognized for promoting voter engagement

ALLENDALE — Grand Valley State University has been recognized by a national group for encouraging students to vote in the 2022 midterm election.

The "All-In Campus Democracy Challenge" named GVSU as a 2022 "All-In Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting." There were 394 colleges and universities recognized with the honor across the country.

“This (recognition) reflects our inquisitive, active and passionate Laker student community's commitment to the principles of democracy,” said GVSU President Philomena Mantella. “We are seeing the fruits of our community's work to welcome diverse viewpoints, debates and discussions that help our students become educated, engaged citizens.”

Colleges participating in the challenge complete a set of action items to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning, political engagement and voter participation on their campuses. More than 950 institutions around the country participate.

“College student voter turnout has increased since 2016, and this increase has been driven by students,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the challenge. “The 'All-In Campus Democracy Challenge' is excited to expand our 'All-In Student Voting Honor Roll' to recognize these student voting champions across the country.”

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Michigan set a record for cast votes in a midterm election in November, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. There were 4,485,779 votes cast. In Ottawa County, voter turnout was 65.6 percent of registered voters.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Grand Valley recognized for promoting student voting