November 21, 2022
New Jersey university tops 178 colleges and universities in a nonpartisan initiative to register and engage college-age voters in the 2022 midterm elections
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Nov. 21, 2022—When it comes to getting out the vote, Centenary University students are second to none. The University placed first in the nation among colleges and universities through its participation in Ballot Bowl, a nonpartisan initiative promoting voter registration and engagement across college campuses.
Working through the University’s Office of Community Engagement, Centenary students bested 178 participating colleges and universities across the nation—including 29 New Jersey institutions of higher education—in the percentage of enrolled students who expressed their intent to vote. Centenary was recognized as the winner of the statewide, conference, and national Ballot Bowl competitions during a virtual ceremony following election day.
“This honor showcases the power small universities like Centenary can have in effecting change,” said Kathleen Greco, who coordinates the University’s community engagement. “Rather than debating specific issues or candidates, this was more about letting everyone know that they have a responsibility to become part of our nation’s collective voice through their vote. Democracy is about participation and being part of the conversation, whether your candidate wins or loses.”
Kerry Mullins, vice president for student life and dean of students, noted that Centenary students and other young adults have become more engaged in the election process in recent years. In fact, voters under 30 turned out to participate in the 2022 midterm elections in near-record numbers: NPR and other news outlets have reported the midterm turnout of young voters was the second highest it’s been in three decades, outpaced only by the 2018 midterm elections.
Mullins said, “At Centenary and around the nation, young adults become more engaged in the process when they see the connection between national policies and their vote. While winning the national Ballot Bowl competition was a great honor, it’s even more important that Centenary students have stepped up to become active participants in our democracy.”
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.