Baldwin Wallace University recognized as 'Voter Friendly Campus'

Baldwin Wallace University is one of more than 200 campuses across the country to earn a designation as a "Voter Friendly Campus," an achievement attained in the midst of the global pandemic.

The national, nonpartisan organizations, Fair Elections Center's Campus Vote Project (CVP) and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) recognized BW for working to overcome barriers to participation in the political process in 2020 and laying the groundwork to register, educate and turn out student voters through the midterms in 2022

"The Voter Friendly Campus designation sends the message to current and incoming students that voting and other forms of civic engagement are important, that they are part of what it means to be a BW student," says Julie Robinson, associate director of BW's David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement.

"We are honored to receive this recognition of the substantial work we have done to strengthen our campus culture of democratic engagement."

Campus Collaboration

To reduce barriers to voting and increase voter education and participation, BW launched a multi-pronged, campus-wide effort, including Jackets Engaged, a student team focused on nonpartisan voter engagement efforts.

Jackets Engaged student leader, Leah Kent '22, notes, "We ran a large social media campaign, presented to classes and athletic teams, and heightened the visibility of voter registration deadlines and other information by placing outdoor signs across campus."

In addition, the Office of Residence Life distributed voting information cards produced by Jackets Engaged and ensured every student living on their own received proof of residency, making it easier to vote using a campus address. BW's coordinator of off-campus housing ensured that students on their own near campus received accurate voter registration information.

Many athletic coaches and professors also shared voter registration information and deadlines. Dining Services even got in on the action, distributing over 900 VOTE cookies leading up to the election.

The collective effort represents the strong commitment of BW to the civic mission of higher education, which prepares students to be engaged participants in our democracy.

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Our work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories.

About Fair Elections Center

Fair Elections Center is a national, nonpartisan voting rights and legal support organization that works to eliminate barriers to voting and improve election administration across the United States. Fair Elections Center's Campus Vote Project  works with universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting and helps campuses institutionalize reforms that empower students with the information they need to register and vote.