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A Relationship with Electoral Politics

One reason for a lack of political engagement is poor communication. Young people may opt not to vote because candidates do not speak to them and, in an endless, vicious cycle, candidates do not speak to young people because they do not vote.

The National Campaign develops initiatives and activities to transform that negative cycle, working with colleges and universities to educate students about candidates, voting regulations, and the issues being discussed. Simultaneously, the National Campaign works with candidates and their campaigns to increase their effectiveness at reaching out to young voters. In short, the National Campaign works with students and the political establishment to develop a new dialogue.

Partnering schools in the National Campaign have develop a strategic plan for campus-based and student-led voter education, registration, and get-out-the-vote drives. Partners challenge their own schools to adhere to the Higher Education Act of 1998, which requires that they provide voter registration materials to all students. Partners also share best practices at periodic meetings, trainings, and workshops at the Institute of Politics, and through the Institute's website. Partners also participate in efforts to challenge candidates, elected officials, political strategists, political parties, campaigns, and the media to more effectively reach out to young people.

The National Campaign has developed resources for voter information, registration, and mobilization.