CECL Policy Brief - Voting Trends and Recommendations

July 30, 2024

The Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) has released a policy brief analyzing recent voting trends among students at Ball State. 

Authored Dr. David J. Roof and research assistant Em Allen, the data reveals a decline in student voting rates from 2018 to 2022 and highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance civic engagement and democratic participation among students.

Find the story HERE and see the full brief HERE

Key Findings:

  • Decline in Student Voting Rates: The overall student voting rate at Ball State dropped from 31.8% in 2018 to 20.8% in 2022. This 11% decline is observed across all demographic groups and age ranges.
  • Decreased Voter Registration: The registration rate decreased from 74.6% in 2018 to 64.0% in 2022, indicating potential barriers to voter registration among students.
  • Demographic Disparities: Notable decreases in voting rates were observed among Black, Hispanic, and young voters, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to address these gaps.
  • Voting Methods: In-person voting remained the most common method among Ball State students, although there was a notable increase in absentee and early voting in 2020.

Comparative Analysis: The policy breif compares voting trends at Ball State with the overall state of Indiana, where the voter turnout in the 2022 General Election was 40%. Ball State’s voting rate of 20.8% is significantly lower than the state average, indicating a gap in student engagement in the electoral process.

Indiana's Election Landscape: Indiana's election policies, including the introduction of a photo identification requirement to vote and the adoption of vote centers, are also discussed in the report. These policies have shaped the state's voting landscape and influenced voter participation rates.

Policy Recommendations:

To address the declining voting rates and enhance civic engagement, the report proposes several policy recommendations:

  • Enhanced Voter Education: Develop comprehensive voter education programs targeting students to increase awareness of the importance of voting and the voting process.
  • Improved Registration Initiatives: Implement on-campus voter registration drives and provide easy access to registration resources to increase student registration rates.
  • Increased Accessibility: Ensure that students have easy access to various voting methods, including absentee and early voting options.

Dr. Roof, CECL director notes “The decline in student voting rates is a concerning trend that needs attention. By implementing targeted voter education and registration initiatives, we can empower students to actively participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard.”

Em Allen, research assistant, added, “Engaging students in civic activities is crucial for fostering a strong democratic society. Our findings highlight the importance of providing students with the knowledge they need to participate effectively.”

Cardinals Vote Initiative: This is an exciting partnership project between the Center for Economic and Civic Learning, the Office of Student Life, and the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State. The mission of Cardinals Vote! is to promote voter information and non-partisan civic engagement across our University and our surrounding community. Ball State has been awarded the Highly Established Action Plan Seal by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for its outstanding efforts in developing a nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan.

About CECL: The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State is dedicated to enhancing civic engagement and democratic participation through education and research. The center's initiatives aim to empower students and the broader community to actively participate in civic life and contribute to the well-being of society.

For more information and to access the full report, please visit CECL's website.

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