Campus Connection

UWL earns Gold Seal for excellence in student voter engagement

With Election Day fast approaching, all eyes are on Wisconsin — and UW-La Crosse is no exception. Students are turning out in impressive numbers, fueled by a commitment to civic engagement and well-organized voter initiatives. 

UWL has been awarded the Gold Seal for excellence in student voter engagement by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. This recognition highlights UWL’s dedication to fostering nonpartisan democratic participation among its students, marking it as one of over 500 campuses nationwide committed to civic engagement.

The accolade is based on data from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), conducted by Tufts University. The study revealed that UWL saw an impressive 46.2% student voter turnout during the 2022 Midterm Election, a rate significantly higher than the national average (30.6%) for that election. This marks the second-highest student voting rate in midterm elections since NSLVE began measuring in 2014. 

As the 2024 general election approaches on Nov. 5, UWL students, faculty and staff are encouraged to make their voting plans now. On Election Day, voters will elect a U.S. president, vice president, congressional representatives and local officials. In La Crosse, voters will also weigh in on two local referendums.

Make a plan to vote 

UWL Votes, a campus initiative focused on increasing voter turnout, stresses the importance of being prepared. Students who need to register or update their voter information can do so during in-person absentee voting hours or at the polls on Election Day. However, registering in advance is strongly recommended to avoid long lines. 

To register, students must provide Proof of Residence (POR). UWL students can use their WINGS Voter Verification Letter as acceptable POR, as long as their name and address are current in their WINGS profile. 

Tips for voting 

To save time on Election Day, UWL Votes recommends visiting myvote.wi.gov to complete the voter registration form in advance. Even without a Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID, you can print out the registration form, complete it and bring it to the polls along with your Proof of Residence. 

Voters are also reminded to bring a valid photo ID to the polls. UWL student IDs qualify as long as they include an issue date, signature and expiration date. If your student ID is expired, make sure to bring an enrollment document

Where to vote and more information

Students can locate their polling place and find additional election resources at myvote.wi.gov or by visiting UWL’s voting information page at uwlax.edu/vote.