October 26, 2022
Participation in nonpartisan Ballot Bowl initiative emphasizes encouraging and registering young adult voters on college campuses.
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Oct. 26, 2022—Students at Centenary University are ensuring that their peers are engaging in the democratic process this election season through the University’s participation in Ballot Bowl, a nonpartisan initiative promoting voter registration on college campuses. Working with the University’s Office of Community Engagement, students and the Centenary Cyclone mascot attended the New Jersey Ballot Bowl kickoff event in September and have been responsible for organizing voter registration drives on campus.
At press time, Centenary led the 154 participating colleges and universities across the nation—including 29 New Jersey institutions of higher education—in the percentage of enrolled students who have expressed their intent to vote. “Our students are committed to raising awareness and registering their peers to vote so all voices can be heard,” said Kathleen Greco, who coordinates the University’s community engagement. “An important aspect of this program is its commitment to nonpartisanship. Through this effort, students can register to vote, either online or on paper, right here on campus. I’m truly proud of what Centenary students have accomplished.”
A host of Centenary student groups are spearheading the effort, including several fraternities and sororities, Enactus, Leaders in Service, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), the Education Honor Society, and First Year Leaders. David Espino, a Centenary University junior who has been leading campus voter registration drives, said, “As a first-generation Hispanic student and member of the EOP, I understand how important the midterm elections are—the outcomes will affect our program and funding. By voting, we make a difference both on and off campus, and it allows us to contribute to our role as future leaders.”
NJ Ballot Bowl 2022 is a program of the New Jersey Department of State’s Jersey Civic Engage initiative and a joint effort with the ALL In Campus Democracy Challenge. While the federal midterm elections have taken center stage this season, the initiative emphasizes that state and local elections are important, too.
“Centenary students are fully engaged in this year’s midterm election process,” noted Kerry Mullins, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “Yet, it’s also important for young adults to understand the importance of elections on the municipal, county, and state levels. These local elections make a big impact on our day-to-day lives. At Centenary, it’s part of our mission to encourage activities like voting and volunteerism to encourage students to become active, informed participants in their local communities.”
Pictured above: Centenary students (all from New Jersey) attending the kickoff event: from left, David Espino of Somerville, Nick Andrew of Parsippany, Kathleen Greco, who coordinates the University’s community engagement, Osaivbie Igiebor of Newark, the Cyclone (Miron Miller of Trenton), Ashley Wrede of Stewartsville, Natalie Kelson of Alpha, and Kamirah Owens of Newark.
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.