In March, Talladega College was named a Voter Friendly Campus, one of 272 campuses in 39 states and the District of Columbia by Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The initiative recognizes institutions that have planned and implemented practices that encourage their students to register and vote.
The mission of the 2025 Voter Friendly Campus designation is to bolster colleges and universities’ efforts to help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process – every year, not just during years featuring federal elections.
Talladega was evaluated based on a written plan for how the College planned to register, educate and turn out student voters in 2024, and also how it facilitated voter engagement efforts on campus in addition to a final analysis of those efforts.
The College made intensive efforts to inform students of their civic duty and prepare them to be engaged participants in the nation’s democracy.
During the fall of 2024, Talladega’s administration, student government association (SGA), Democracy Fellows and student leaders partnered with local civic advocacy organizations for several events, said SGA president Jevon Tatum. One event was a voter rally. Also, the College collaborated with Democracy Fellows to host March to the Polls which included a simulation of the voting process. Finally, students took a trip to Selma for the 60th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in partnership with Transform Alabama.
“It is vital that our institution continues to promote civic involvement,” said Tatum. “This helps shape future leaders by providing them with the foundation and knowledge needed to make a difference. By integrating civic education into interactive and engaging programs, we empower students with the passion and confidence to take action and help create a better world.”
Brandon Harris, associate vice president for student engagement, noted that the College is eager to continue refining its tactics, expanding its efforts, and engage students through 2025 and beyond.
The institutions designated Voter Friendly Campuses represent a wide range of two-year, four-year, public, private, rural, and urban campuses, collectively serving over four million students.
Notably, the list of designated institutions includes 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as well as 47 community colleges.
NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Our work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories.
Fair Elections Center is a non-partisan organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of our democracy through innovative efforts focused on voting rights and civic engagement. We use advocacy, litigation, organizing, education, and technology to protect and expand the right to vote, understanding the particular impact on disenfranchised, underrepresented, and marginalized communities. Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project works with universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting and helps campuses institutionalize reforms that empower students with the information they need to register and vote.
