On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the Office of Civic and Voter Engagement hosted an event to encourage students to register to vote.
In the Student Center Ballrooms, students were able to hear from guest speakers including Jack Ciattarelli’s campaign manager Eric Alpert, Mariel DiDato, state Assemblymember for Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez and Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia. Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell was also present and spoke to students.
President Koppell addressing the crowd. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
After hearing from the speakers, students met with clubs and organizations on campus, including Montclair State Democrats and Montclair State Republicans. Students were able to register to vote, update their information and learn more about what is on the ballot.
As students walked around, they got to participate in an interactive punch card game to win a pop-tart pillow prize. There were also inflatable bounce houses outside in the Student Quad for students to enjoy.
Members of the Montclair State Democrats club pose with their table. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
Montclair State Republicans club tabling at the event. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
Lily Hand, a freshman marketing major, shared her thoughts on the event.
“I think it’s great,” Hand said, “It’s really encouraging people to come out and vote and learn about voting in general.”
Lily Hand posing with snacks provided by the event. Silvia Andrade | The Montclarion
Nya Stanley, a senior international business major spoke on her experience with voting.
“As a person of color, I feel like I really need to get my voice heard,” Stanley said. “One way to get my voice heard is by voting.”
Nya Stanley, a senior at Montclair State studying international business. Silvia Andrade | The Montclarion
Astrid Ortiz, a visual arts freshman, emphasized the importance of young people voting.
“It affects young people in areas like education, jobs and health care,” said Ortiz.
Astrid Ortiz, a freshman at Montclair State studying visual arts. Silvia Andrade | The Montclarion
Warren Rigby, the Coordinator for the Office of Civic and Voter Engagement at Montclair State, spoke on how local politics affect college students.
“The governor’s race really comes into play because they are in charge of the allocation that goes to universities and colleges,” Rigby said. “They play a really pivotal role in making sure that that money goes to funding education and ultimately funding students’ education.”
Warren Rigby, Coordinator for the Office of Civic and Voter Engagement in his office. Silvia Andrade | The Montclarion
Rigby also spoke on the goals of the Office of Civic and Voter Engagement in regards to student engagement with politics within today’s political climate.
“I think that where we’re at right now with politics, it’s very polarized,” Rigby said. “Some people are just over it, but we try to really just reinforce that this is an opportunity for you to have your voices heard.”
Rigby hopes students understand how the upcoming gubernatorial election can hit close to home.
“We really try to emphasize that these local and state elections really have a much more significant impact on the citizens of New Jersey,” said Rigby.
The gubernatorial election will be held on Nov. 4, 2025.
