“I was fascinated by the role young people could have in the democratic process,” says English and Media Studies major Taron Lilly ’22. “I learned that participating in democracy is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to effect change in a community. Even though I am young I can change the future of my country and the world with my vote.”

The two-day event, hosted by N.C. Campus Compact, brought together students, faculty, and staff who are leading nonpartisan, campus-wide voter-engagement efforts at colleges and universities across the state. Participants learned and shared innovative strategies and practical information to support college voter registration, voter education, and electoral participation. 

The summit also featured the Votes and Ballots game created by Democracy Works. The game takes campus teams through strategic activities to create a comprehensive action plan for increasing campus democratic engagement. 

“It meant so much to me to prepare material that affected such a profound response,” Taron says. “It also was extremely important to me that I educate my peers on Guilford College’s plans to effect change in this year’s election.”

Teams had one day to create their plans. They spent a second day presenting to a panel of judges. Guilford College, UNC Charlotte, and UNC Chapel Hill tied for first place. Each was awarded $500 to support voter engagement on campus. 

“In 2016, only 46.8 percent of Guilford College students voted. This was down 4.7 percent from 2012, and lower than the voting rate for all institutions, which is 50.4 percent. Being a first-time voter on a college campus brings unique challenges,” Meagan says. “Winning this $500 means a lot as we help break down some of those barriers. It’s not only about physically getting students to the polls. It’s also about getting them excited about using their voice on the issues they care about the most.”

Learn more about voting at Guilford College.