TAMPA, Fla. — Over the recent years, The University of Tampa has witnessed an increasing number of students engaging in civic practices, notably through a coalition referred to as UTampa Votes! Most students do not usually know where to start voting, but the nonpartisan campaign has largely become part of university life at UTampa, as it brings awareness and informs students to vote. The organization educates and runs outreach campaigns for preparing students in democracy.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps
The most successful activity that UTampa Votes! has done to date is tabling throughout the semester. Ellie Arthur, working with Student Engagement, said most students don’t know what they are doing when it comes to voting. It’s that confusion that actually keeps students from participating in it. Tabling puts a face on it; questions can be asked, and immediate, reliable answers can be found — more reliable than conflicting online sources.
Additionally, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections has provided representatives from their office to these events to provide on-site voter registration as well as to assist out-of-state students in requesting absentee ballots. This full-service support has greatly enhanced student engagement.
Research and Publication Funds
UTampa Votes! also has a very strong educational component to prepare students. In addition to tabling, they have an Instagram account @utampavotes used for outreach and sharing of resources. This helps create a social atmosphere of responsibility in voting.
The organization sends out all-campus messages with regard to the importance of voting. Meanwhile, a dedicated web page on The University of Tampa website provides students with ways to learn about candidates and issues while remaining nonpartisan.
Future Steps in Expanding Participation
Going forward, UTampa Votes! will become a club to expand outreach. As stated by Caden Raymond, a representative of UTampa Votes!, this will make it more inviting for students who do not want to affiliate with political groups. The club format offers the students ample opportunities to get involved to their level of comfort, increasing participation in future elections while also ingraining UTampa Votes! into the civic culture at UTampa.
Challenges and Solutions
UTampa Votes! does face some challenges, mainly regarding timing. Raymond discussed that though the students are interested in voter registration and absentee ballots, many students procrastinate until it is too late. To fill this gap, UTampa Votes! concentrates on on-the-spot registration drives and emphasizes to the students that “the earlier, the better.”
Tracking Progress and Partnerships
The partnership with the ALL IN Democracy Challenge Coalition has given UTampa Votes! much-needed data to track student voter turnout. According to Ian McGinnity, National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement data indicated that UTampa’s voting rate grew 17% in the 2020 election. While 2024 data is pending, the results highlight the outcomes of targeted civic work.
These local partnerships, such as with the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office, serve to further strengthen this program. For example, members of the election office visit campus multiple times each semester about the commitment to accessible and informed voting.
Inclusive and Accessible Voting
UTampa Votes! tries to give all students a chance to participate in the electoral process.
Arthur pointed out, “International students cannot vote in American elections,” but they can learn about the system and engage in discussion. Educational programs explain how the American electoral system works, thus promoting a greater understanding of civic responsibility in general.
Residents also benefit from having available voting options. There is a polling location at First Baptist Church of Tampa, immediately adjacent to campus, and early voters are referred to the Fred B. Karl County Center less than a mile away, with no barrier to transportation.
Collecting Feedback from Students and More
Students are encouraged to share their thoughts via email at utampavotes@ut.edu or through direct messages on Instagram. This open line helps the organization to be on par with the students.
More Than Just Voting
UTampa Votes! is more than voting, as it’s a community engagement initiative that promotes other broader civic activities, such as the Bonner Leader Program, PEACE Volunteer Center, and Spartan Mentors. Through these programs, active citizenship through direct service projects, campus events, and alternative break trips is possible.
UTampa Votes! has become integral to The University of Tampa campus in building informed leaders prepared to engage in democracy. The planned educational events, solid collaborations, and inclusive approach in the initiative move students to take civic action — now and in the future.