Name
Increasing Voter Participation of Vulnerable Populations to Promote Social and Economic Justice
Date & Time
Monday, March 30, 2020, 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Speakers
Description
In order for all people to access political power: (a) They must register to vote, (b) vote, and (c) base voting decisions on their self-interest to protect their basic human rights. Students must be prepared to expand their efforts to promote all three components of voter engagement. This session will report results of a qualitative study that explored how recipients of means-tested government assistance programs, who are enrolled in community colleges, make decisions about voting, and how structural factors affect their decision to vote. Participants will gain knowledge about why every vote really does matter, why more than 50% of eligible voters choose not to vote, and how educators can encourage students to become more civically engaged.
Learning outcomes:
- Reinforce that informed voting gives oppressed populations an opportunity to influence policy
- Gain insights to how different types of voters make voting decisions
- Gain ideas for enhancing students’ political knowledge and political participation through classroom activities
- Gain strategies to promote a “culture of voting” all year round
Session Type
Small breakout