By Nick Williams, Assistant News & Photography Editor
“I have been floored by the number of students at Susquehanna who sought us out for information, who are excited about getting out to vote, and who are looking forward to the election,” says a senior at Susquehanna University.
Meryl Czeponis, a member of the class of 2025, has been at the forefront of the push to drive students to the polls. She is a triple major in political science, public policy and creative writing. Czeponis says, “Historically, student populations are underrepresented at the polls, despite them being the newest members of our democracy.”
Czeponis, along with her colleagues Margaret Bachman, class of 2026, and Noah Cassil, class of 2027, are a part of the University’s Achieve. Lead. Vote! initiative. Sponsored by the David ‘69 and Sharon Johnson Center for Civic Engagement, this is a nonpartisan, or non-biased, campaign that is dedicated to getting students to the polls.
Associate Professor of Political Science, Rolfe Peterson advises this démarche. “By supporting student participation in elections,” he says, “we help cultivate a generation that values their voice and understands the importance of shaping the future of their communities through civic engagement.”
So far this semester, the group has hosted multiple events to garner students who want their voices heard. With the activities fair, various tabling events and the campfire celebration held on National Constitution/Voter Registration Day, they have seen a measurable increase in voters on campus.
At these events, Bachman, Cassil and Czeponis lead a team of other nonpartisan volunteers whose goal is to help students register to vote. Along with this, they also educated them on the nuances of voting in person or via absentee ballot, both here in Snyder County and in their home precincts.
Bachman says, “We want to be here to support students and let them know it is a quick application to register, and they will then be able to vote however they decide to cast their ballot.”
In fact, Susquehanna was recently recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as a result of its nonbiased efforts. These efforts, propelled by students like Czeponis, Bachman and Cassil, led to high levels of student voter participation in the 2022 midterm elections. The Silver Seal, an award that highlights their commitment to perpetuating civic engagement and student voting, was the latest of many honors given to the University in this area.
The three stress that their efforts this semester are much more than about the election. Bachman says, “This is about building an environment on campus that teaches students it is important to be heard.” Achieve. Lead. Vote! is striving to create a campus culture that not only renders students comfortable to act on their voices but feel compelled to do so.
“Voting is the great equalizer,” Cassil says. “Every American regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status can cast one ballot. If you choose not to vote, you’re allowing someone else to have more influence on your community than you.”
Since the start of the academic year, over 300 new voters have been registered due to this group’s efforts. With election day rapidly approaching on Nov. 5, students who have not already registered have missed the deadline to do so.
Registration closed on Oct. 21, and applications for mail-in and absentee ballots close on Oct. 29.
Stay in the know regarding election information, poll locations, and other important things by checking school social media pages. Additionally, check the “Voting Resources” section on the university’s website.