GVSU named an ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting

Grand Valley was recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge on its 2022 list of Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting following the midterm election.

The recognition acknowledges colleges and universities that make intentional efforts to increase student voter participation. GVSU joins a group of nearly 400 campuses nationwide that participate in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. These campuses complete a set of action items to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning, political engagement and voter participation. 

"This ALL IN Most Engaged Campus recognition reflects our inquisitive, active and passionate Laker student community's commitment to the principles of democracy," said President Philomena V. 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.” 

Mantella is also a signatory of ALL IN’s Higher Education Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation.

Grand Valley’s efforts to increase student voter participation included a satellite clerk’s office located in Kirkhof Center. The satellite office was open in the weeks leading up to the election and on Election Day and allowed residents of Allendale to register to vote, update their voter registration using their Allendale address and request an absentee ballot. 

On Election Day, the Office of Student Life hosted a "Popcorn at the Polls" event with free popcorn and pizza for students, while also allowing the opportunity for them to utilize the satellite office. The event included a performance by the Laker Marching Band and a visit from Mantella and Vice President for Student Affairs Jenny Hall-Jones.

Prior to the 2022 recognition, Grand Valley was also given Gold Campus recognition for having a 70-79% voting rate in the 2020 election. Learn more at gvsu.edu/vote.