More than 60 universities were recognized with a Platinum Seal for recording a higher voting rate in the 2018 midterm elections compared to other large campuses across the country.
On Tuesday, all the universities were awarded by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, a nationwide collegiate civics and engagement group. Nearly 560 schools, with an enrollment of over 6.2 million students participated in the challenge.
All the Platinum Seal winners recorded more than 50 percent voter participation or higher in the 2018 Midterm Election.
“We are here to develop our students in all aspects of their lives, including their education as citizens,” University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel said.
Nearly 58.7 of U of M Twin Cities students voted during the 2018 midterm elections, with every campus witnessing a turnout above the nationwide on-campus average of 39.1 percent.
“Tens of thousands of University of Minnesota students have chosen to engage the political process, register to vote and participate in democracy. These results are exemplary, but there is room to continue to educate and advance action,” Gabel added.
The New College of Florida received campus champion award for highest voting rate and highest undergraduate voting rate; California Institute of the Arts for most improved voting rate; College of St. Benedict for most improved undergraduate voting rate; Maryland Institute College of Art for highest registration rate; Wheaton College (MA) for most improved registration rate.
A recent report released by the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (IDHE) at Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life found student voting at double rate in 2018 midterm elections than the last midterm.
Among different institutional types, women’s colleges ranked top with highest voting rates while the voting trends between students attending various two-year, four-year, public or private institutions were found consistent.
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