EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report analyzes the effects non-partisan voter registration has on student voter turnout and how to best implement the registration drives. Student Voter Turnout Is Lacking After the 2008 election, it seemed as if students would engage in political participation more often. The wheels had started to turn, and students began to recognize their voice. The students generally care, but they are not well informed. Less publicized races in the state and local areas are not getting enough input from students. A survey I conducted showed that only about 25% of students had registered in the spring election in the past four years. Only seven out of the 100 people surveyed said they voted consistently in the spring elections. Increasing Effort to Register Students The student voice is going unheard. Registration drives need to be more eminent on campus to keep the students involved. Their participation and exploration in politics will pave the path for future generations to come. Increasing small scale efforts, like a voter registration drive at UW-River Falls, will eventually lead to large scale benefits. Rock the Vote There are a few ways to increase student voter turnout on campus: Establishing a student-run voter registration group on campus Conducting voter registration with the Legislative Affairs Committee Hiring staff to orchestrate voter registration on campus

Depending on accessibility, all of these are viable options. If members of the Legislative Affairs Committee were to get deputized to register voters, voter registration drives could be held during the designated registration dates for the students on campus. It would fall under the duties and the by-laws of the committee, making it a worthwhile effort. The other options presented can work as well. If it seems unreasonable to conduct the voter registration drive under the Legislative Affairs Committee, seek to establish a student group or hire a staff. If students have a non-partisan outlet to go to register, it is assured that more students will vote.

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