This award is a recognition of our university's collective efforts to promote nonpartisan democratic engagement and to empower students to actively participate in our democracy during the 2024 election.
The award highlights Ball State's commitment to foster a culture of civic responsibility, and to provide students, faculty, and staff with the tools, resources, and motivation to register and to vote. The Cardinals Vote! initiative, was developed through a partnership between the Center for Economic and Civic Learning, the Office of Student Life, and the Office of Community Engagement. This collective effort was central in promoting voter registration and educating students on voting.
“We are deeply honored by this recognition from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge,” said Dr. David Roof, Director of the Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State University. “This recognition reflects the collective effort of our students, faculty, and staff, who worked together to create an engaged campus.”
One of the most involved student groups was the Student Government Association (SGA), whose members participated-in and organized events.
The Cardinals Vote! initiative was supported by a grant from the Community-Engaged Alliance (CEA), whose generous support helped strengthen our outreach and our university's connections with our local community.
In 2024, Ball State students organized a range ofl events, including:
- National Voter Registration Day: Students mobilized their peers to register to vote, reaching out to the broader campus community and encouraging participation in the democratic process.
- Constitution Day: An educational event celebrating the U.S. Constitution and highlighting its role in our democracy.
- Debate Watch Party: A campus event that brought students together to watch the debate, which was covered in national news by the Associated Press.
- Voter Registration Information: in key locations around campus, including the Atrium, Student Center, and Scramble Light, helping students to access voter registration information.
- Election Night Watch Party: A positive event supported by Political Science and other organizations, where students came together to follow the election results and engage in meaningful discussions about the democratic process.
The work done at Ball State was recently highlighted alongside other exemplary campuses in a special feature in Forbes. The article includes insights and advice from 2024’s Most Engaged Campuses on how campuses can effectively champion student voting and democratic engagement. Check out the full list of winning campuses and read the Forbes article here.
One of the key components of this initiative is a Democracy Fellows program, which offers students the opportunity to explore and promote democratic values, civic responsibility, and community engagement. Democracy Fellows are student leaders who engage in lead voter education initiatives and to serve as ambassadors for civic participation. Through this program, Ball State hopes to foster a new generation of leaders dedicated to strengthening our democracy both on campus and beyond.
Become a Democracy Fellow
The Democracy Fellows program offers a unique chance for students to take on leadership roles in civic engagement and contribute to important events related to our community and our democracy. Fellows are tasked with inspiring others to engage in the democratic process and advocating for voter participation across campus. Fellows gain valuable leadership skills through mentorship and hands-on experience. Apply to become a 2025 Democracy Fellow Here.
About the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a national initiative that recognizes colleges and universities for their efforts to encourage student participation in democratic processes. By supporting nonpartisan voting engagement, the program strives to make democracy more inclusive, equitable, and representative.
For More Information on Contact:
Center for Economic and Civic Learning
Ball State University
Email: civic@bsu.edu
Website: https://www.bsu.edu/academics/centersandinstitutes/cecl