Valparaiso University seeks polling center status to boost student voter turnout

In a spirited discussion at the Porter County Elections and Registration meeting, a Valparaiso University professor passionately advocated for the establishment of a polling center on campus, highlighting the pressing need for increased voter participation among students. As chair of Valpo Votes, a faculty and staff initiative aimed at boosting student voter engagement, he presented compelling statistics that painted a troubling picture of Indiana's electoral landscape.

With Indiana ranking last in the nation for voter turnout, the professor pointed out that only 14.6% of young voters aged 18 to 29 participated in the last election. "That is abysmal," he declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Drawing from his experiences in various democracies worldwide, he argued that facilitating easier access to voting is crucial for nurturing a healthy democracy.

Currently, the nearest polling location for students is a Hampton Inn, requiring a daunting 15 to 20-minute walk across a busy road without sidewalks. This logistical challenge discourages many students from voting, a situation the professor deemed unacceptable. He urged the election board to consider the university as a viable polling place, noting that many other universities in Indiana already host polling centers.

The professor also referenced recent developments in Tippecanoe County, where Purdue University is seeking to establish a polling site amid challenges related to parking and accessibility. He expressed confidence that Valparaiso University could meet all necessary requirements, including sufficient parking and the availability of poll workers.

In closing, he called for a broader examination of funding opportunities for election boards to enhance voting accessibility, citing a recent initiative in Howard County that added touchscreen voting machines through federal grants. His impassioned plea underscored a collective responsibility to empower young voters and improve Indiana's dismal standing in civic engagement. As the meeting concluded, the hope lingered that the university's proposal would pave the way for a more inclusive electoral process, encouraging students to embrace their democratic rights.