Swarthmore has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge among its Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting in 2022, reflecting its intentional efforts to increase student voter participation.

The recognition affirms the efforts of the College’s Get Out the Vote (GOTV) committee, which strives to increase student participation in the voting process, regardless  of political party affiliation.

“We are delighted to be recognized as one of the most engaged campuses for college student voting in the country,” says Pam Shropshire, special assistant for presidential initiatives and chair of the GOTV committee. “This external validation of the hard work done by our students, faculty, and staff to increase student participation in our democracy through voting is much appreciated.”

The College joins a group of 394 colleges and universities recognized by ALL IN for  participating in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge; sharing 2020 National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) Reports with campus voting data with ALL IN; developing and submitting a 2022 democratic engagement action plan with ALL IN; and having a current signatory to ALL IN’s Higher Education Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation.

Turnout for new, younger voters is generally 20 to 30 points lower than that of older voters, notes Shropshire, even at institutions such as Swarthmore. The gap widens in midterms, state elections, and local elections. In response, the College established the GOTV committee in 2018.

“GOTV reflects the College’s commitment to civic learning and democratic engagement,” says Shropshire. “The committee sees a connection between voting and expressions of social activism and works diligently to foster a culture of voting at the College."