ASU and Left-Wing Allies Ignite Young Voter Action Ahead of November

By Staff Reporter |

Arizona State University (ASU) recently hosted the “New Generation Voter Forum,” aimed at mobilizing Gen Z and Millennial voters ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The event, organized by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, sought to engage students from both high school and college in a nonpartisan environment focused on informing young voters about critical issues.

Key organizers included the Tempe Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority alongside the sorority’s ASU chapter, Iota Kappa. Multiple advocacy groups participated, such as the Greater Phoenix Urban League of Young Professionals and the League of Women Voters of Arizona. The event highlighted a collective effort to enhance voter registration and awareness among younger demographics.

At the forum, attendees encountered a table dedicated to voter registration, managed by a representative from the League of Women Voters of Arizona. The table featured flyers on ballot measures, including Ranked-Choice Voting, and displayed symbols representing various social movements. 

Kara Pelletier, an at-large board member for the League of Women Voters of Arizona, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in the electoral process. Pelletier noted that the 18 to 29 age group constitutes a significant voting bloc, potentially wielding substantial influence over political outcomes. “They could really have a lot of influence and say in what goes on in our country,” she asserted.

Voting resources were also provided through ASU’s TurboVote initiative and the Vote Everywhere program, both linked to organizations promoting democratic participation. A panel discussion addressed the growing concerns of misinformation in media, featuring ASU professors Retha Hill and Pauline Arrillaga. These educators have been outspoken advocates for media literacy and have critiqued far-right political narratives.

Arrillaga, who oversees the ASU’s Carnegie-Knight News21 program, discussed current affairs such as the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade. She highlighted the importance of accurate information in fostering informed electoral participation.

The forum included interactive discussions on voting processes, addressing challenges faced by international students, and understanding the importance of nonpartisan races. Participants were encouraged to become actively involved in the democratic process and to consider running for local offices.

This event represents a significant step in fostering civic engagement among younger voters in Arizona as they prepare for the upcoming election.