For generations, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been more than just educational institutions—they are pillars in their communities, fostering leadership, activism, and civic engagement. From the civil rights movement to the pursuit of justice and equality that exists today, HBCU students and leaders have long been at the forefront of driving change. As we prepare for the upcoming election, Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaigns on these campuses are crucial to ensuring strong voter turnout.
For me, working on voter engagement at my HBCU wasn’t just a project—it was a calling, as I was deeply connected to my identity as a political science major and my roots in community advocacy. A big part of why I chose to attend an HBCU and study political science was because of the example set by my father, an HBCU alum himself. The trail was blazed, but the standard I set would define my own legacy.
Both my father and late grandmother shaped my understanding of the importance of education and civic engagement. My grandmother, who grew up in the Jim Crow South during the 1950s and 60s, faced significant hardships when exercising her right to vote, which highlighted for me the critical link between education and civic responsibility. She always reminded me that knowledge is power and encouraged me to make the most of my education—not just for personal growth, but to empower others in their pursuit of justice and equality.
At Norfolk State University (class of ‘23), I participated in GOTV efforts during national and local elections through student organizations and fellowship programs. While this work was challenging, the impact we had was undeniable: I encouraged my peers to get certified with the Virginia Board of Elections to register students to vote. I hosted multiple on-campus voter registration drives. And I helped over 250 students complete the absentee ballot process. These efforts helped foster a culture of civic engagement and ensured that more voices were heard in the electoral process.
With Election Day 2024 just days away, I’d like to share some Do’s and Don’ts from my experience leading GOTV efforts on my HBCU campus. If you’re looking to effectively mobilize students, and ensure your efforts create a lasting impact that extends beyond this election cycle, then these insights are for you.
Do’s:
Create Exciting, Student-Centered Events
Drawing students in with engaging, fun activities like voter registration drives, civic forums, and campus events is key. Use incentives like free t-shirts, food, and school swag to create a buzz and get students excited to show up. Once they’re there, you have the chance to educate and mobilize them.
For organizers who are not students, know that partnering with students is essential to create events that genuinely interest them. It’s important to avoid imposing ideas that might not resonate with the student body —instead, collaborate with students to ensure the events are appealing and relevant to their interests.
Leverage Social Media
Consider leveraging influential student organizations and campus leaders on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and TikTok to amplify your message. Tagging relevant accounts, using popular hashtags, and sharing behind-the-scenes content can further enhance your outreach. Utilizing engaging formats like polls, stories, and Reels can encourage interaction, making your content more relatable and more viral. The key is to focus on creating content that resonates with students’ interests and experiences, and then fostering a sense of community and excitement around your events.
Make Voting Accessible for Out-of-State Students
For students who aren’t locals, absentee ballot workshops or clear vote-by-mail instructions are necessary. The goal is to make the student realize that no matter where they are registered, their vote will count.
Focus on the Issues that Matter to Students
When students feel a personal connection to the issues on the ballot—whether it’s campus safety, mental health resources, student loan forgiveness, or gun violence—they’re more likely to get involved. To make these issues feel personal, if they aren’t already, start by sharing real stories from their peers to illustrate how these issues impact their daily lives.
For instance, if you’re focusing on mental health resources, consider organizing a discussion panel with students who have sought help on campus. They can share their experiences navigating mental health services and highlight the importance of accessible resources in promoting well-being. Similarly, discussing student loan forgiveness can resonate deeply; invite peers to share how financial burdens affect their education and future.
By connecting GOTV efforts to the lived experiences of students and framing these issues with urgency, you develop a sense of personal investment that drives students to actively participate.
Don’ts:
Assume Everyone Understands the Process
Voting can be intimidating, especially for first-time voters. Don’t take for granted that students know how to register, know what documents they need, or understand how absentee voting works. Provide guidance and create spaces for questions.
Underestimate Voter Apathy
Many students may feel like their vote doesn’t matter. To overcome this, your messaging has to emphasize the real impact of their vote, both locally and nationally. Storytelling and peer-to-peer conversations can make a big difference.
Rely on Traditional Messaging
Traditional voter engagement campaigns often fall flat with college students. Avoid generic or overly formal messaging. Instead, make it personal, relatable, and reflective of the HBCU experience.
Instead of simply urging students to “vote because it’s your civic duty,” try a message that connects with their specific life experiences and aspirations: “Your vote is power! For generations, HBCU students have been on the frontlines, fighting for justice, equity, and change—advocating for civil rights, fair funding, mental health support, and equitable education policies. Today, that fight continues as we push for solutions like student loan forgiveness, better campus safety, and access to mental health resources. Every vote we cast shapes the policies that impact our lives and our communities. Let’s make sure our voices are heard—get out and vote!”
This specific messaging not only emphasizes the personal impact of their vote but also ties into shared experiences and community goals. By connecting voting to tangible outcomes that matter to students, you can foster a deeper sense of urgency and engagement.
Forget to Follow Up
After students commit to voting, don’t let the conversation stop there. Follow up with reminders about key dates, help them make a voting plan, and check in to make sure they’re prepared to cast their ballots.
As we stand on the cusp of a critical election, the legacy of HBCUs serves as both a reminder and a call to action. These institutions have long been at the forefront of social change, nurturing leaders who have and still champion justice, equality, and the right to vote. Your vote is not just a ballot cast; it’s a powerful declaration of your values and your vision for the future.
This election, let’s commit to making our voices echo beyond the ballot box. The time is now to engage, educate, and empower each other. Our democracy depends on it.