In celebration of National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17, the student-run organization Let’s Vote Nova set up a table in front of the Oreo to raise awareness about the importance of exercising the right to vote. For many Villanova students, this may be their first time participating in an election, and Let’s Vote Nova aims to ensure they have all the information they need to register and make their voices heard in this November’s election.
The mission of the group is to educate students about the details of the voting process by providing resources that will explain how to register and cast a ballot. College students, specifically those that live out of state, have the option to either vote in Pennsylvania or their home state, depending on their preferences. This is very important, since many out-of-state students usually assume it is too difficult to vote and choose to not register at all, but all the resources on campus help solve this issue.
Students are not limited to voting in-person, they can also do so by mail and even online if the student qualifies. By offering a variety of voting methods, Let’s Vote Nova looks to make voting as accessible and convenient as possible. The organization hopes that by simplifying the process, students will take the opportunity to participate in choosing the next president and other key officials.
Rowan Fossella, a senior political science and communications double major, was one of the representatives at the event. She discussed how she became involved in Let’s Vote Nova.
“I was inspired to join through my media and politics class that I am taking this semester,” she said. “Everyone in the class is a part of the organization, so it is a really close-knit community which I love.”
Fossella also stressed why Pennsylvania is such a crucial state in this election.
“Since Pennsylvania is a swing state this year, every vote counts,” she said. “Let’s Vote Nova has been actively making it easier to register as a voter in hopes of persuading more people to get involved.”
Sophomore political science major David Salvo echoed this sentiment.
“I think it is super important to have a voice in the government since it holds a lot of value,” Salvo said. “What people don’t realize is how government decisions affect our day-to-day lives and many of the long-term goals of our nation, so it is important to vote for your community and ideals that you feel strongly about.”
The importance of voting transcends academic fields. Students from various disciplines are recognizing the weight of this year’s election.
“As a nursing major, my profession is heavily affected by the government policies,” sophomore Aisling Kelly said. “From more accessible healthcare to changing benefits and work hours, I look forward to having a say in who is elected.”
Upon attending this week’s event and speaking to some of the student representatives, sophomore Theresa Scarola was inspired to register to vote.
“I am really excited to be able to vote for the first time,” she said. “I really look forward to my voice being heard and having a positive impact on my future.”
Villanova’s student body holds a range of political perspectives, but one message remains consistent: using one’s voice through voting can lead to a meaningful change. Students are encouraged to use their voices around campus, and now they have an opportunity to show their opinions to society through voting. The Let’s Vote Nova team encourages all students to get involved, not only in this election, but future ones, as well.
For any additional questions or more information, contact Caroline Levine, Coordinator of United Events and Initiatives in the President’s Office, at [email protected].
