Montclair State University has been recognized by ALL IN, an initiative to establish democratic engagement on college campuses, as one of the most engaged campuses for college student voting in 2024.
According to ALL IN, in order to be recognized, colleges and universities must follow certain criteria, such as:
- Participating in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
- Share 2022 National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement (NSLVE) reports with campus voting data with ALL IN.
- Develop and submit a 2024 nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan with ALL IN by Oct. 1, 2024.
- Have a current signatory to ALL IN’s Higher Education Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation.
Montclair State is among 471 campuses to receive this recognition, alongside neighboring schools like Rutgers University and Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Dr. Martina Santia, an associate professor of political science and law at Montclair State, explains why this recognition is so meaningful to the campus community.
“This recognition reflects not only the tireless efforts and dedication of the Office of Civic and Voter Engagement, but it also demonstrates our students’ growing awareness and involvement in political processes,” Santia said. “At a time when young people tend to be perceived as disengaged from politics, Montclair State University’s students stand out for their interest in, and concerns for, the stakes of the elections.”
Warren Rigby, coordinator for the Office of Civic & Voter Engagement shares his reaction.
“[The Office of Civic and Voter Engagement in collaboration with the University and community partners] have worked tirelessly to ensure that our campus community is actively participating in the democratic process, and this recognition affirms the impact of those efforts and our commitment to this work,” Rigby said. “Throughout 2024, we have expanded our partnerships and collaborations, allowing us to grow and implement initiatives that equip our students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions that benefit both themselves and their communities.”
Jen Domagal-Goldman, executive director of ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, discusses how students can become more engaged on campus.
“Everyone has a role to play to support nonpartisan democratic engagement on their campus and continue the momentum of this year’s student engagement,” Domagal-Goldman said. “If you are a student, you can:
- Ask your president or chancellor to join more than 700 of their peers in signing our Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation. It sends a strong signal to the campus that nonpartisan voter engagement matters.
- Work with your athletic department to encourage all athletic administrators and coaches to sign the Coaches Pledge.
- Recognize a student who has done extraordinary work on your campus by nominating them for the ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll.”
Caillou Rivera, a senior psychology major, is one of the students who has worked closely alongside Rigby. He believes that student voter engagement is important for the future of politics.
“I think [this recognition is] really an indicator of how hard everyone in Civic and Voter Engagement has been working to make sure people are voting and staying informed on politics and the things that may affect them in the near [and] long-term future,” Rivera said. “Ultimately, we as students are future leaders, and so it’s important we advocate for change through voting on the local, state and national level.”
Rigby is looking forward to what lies ahead for student voters and the Office of Civic and Voter Engagement.
“While we are proud of what we have achieved, this recognition marks just the beginning of our journey,” Rigby said. “I am excited about the opportunities ahead and cannot wait to see how we will continue to empower our students and strengthen democratic engagement in the years to come.”
