Three people stand behind a League of Women Voters table with informational materials and food items at an outdoor event. Signs on the table and a stand promote voting and registration.

Engaging Young Voters at Bard College

by Fay Casatuta

 

Did you know that 48% of voters in the 2024 election will be 18 to 29?

 

So … it’s no wonder our Voter Services team is targeting this demographic in our voter registration and education efforts. To date, we have events scheduled at colleges throughout the fall in Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties to reach these young voters.

 

On August 21, the Dutchess County Voter Services team was invited by the Bard Center for Civic Engagement to table at their Annual Bard Block Party. The event is billed as a Day of Engagement to draw the attention of freshman Bardians to the community around them by engaging with community partners.

 

We had a great time at that evening! Such a hoot! There were fun activities, BBQ, great music by DJ Jeszack, and dancing. We spoke with and registered many engaged and informed students. We talked about the importance of voting in local, state, and federal elections; the NY ERA amendment

(Prop 1); issues important to them such as jobs, healthcare, the environment, democracy, gun control. We’re looking forward to partnering with Bard in the future to continue building the power of our young people!