12/04/19
HAYS, Kan. – Student leaders involved in the “All In” campaign at Fort Hays State University have been rewarded for their perseverance in pursuit of a meaningful cause.

“All In” is a nationwide effort sponsored by Campus Democracy Challenge. Several comprehensive student voter registration drives prior to the 2018 midterm elections were organized by political science majors Kaytee Wisley, a sophomore from Wichita, and Alex Rea, a junior from Topeka.

That duo and their colleagues were able to register 72.5 percent of the FHSU student body to vote in this election – a 16-percent increase from the previous cycle. In recognition of their efforts, the team recently earned the Gold Seal Award from the American Democracy Project for driving overall student voter registration past the 40-percent mark.

Dr. Larry Gould, faculty advisor to FHSU’s American Democracy Project and chair of the Department of Political Science, encouraged the student group to be innovative and collaborative in its approach.

Led by Wisley and Rea, the group created action plans that included social media campaigns and information booths at key campus locations such as residence halls. They also held on-campus events and participated in national competitions. The team placed eighth overall in the Pledge to Vote Challenge, sponsored by the “All In” Campus Democracy Challenge.

Wisley and Rea said it was a learning experience in many ways, and one of the biggest challenges was educating fellow students about their voting rights and options.

“I did not realize how many people did not know how to register to vote or how important local elections are to their community,” Rea said. “Participation in this project gave me an immense appreciation for those who devote their careers and lives to their local community and elections.”

About the Center for Civic Leadership and the American Democracy Project at FHSU
The American Democracy Project was started at Fort Hays State University in 2004 and placed within the Center for Civic Leadership. The center hosts four organizations dedicated to increasing civic education and engagement at all levels of citizenship. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities created a national initiative of the American Democracy Project in 2003 to promote quality civic education. FHSU is one of two participating universities in Kansas. 

The mission of the Fort Hays State University American Democracy Project is to promote civil discourse, education, and engagement at the local, state, and national levels of government. Learn more about our partnerships and resources that make this possible at fhsu.edu/ccl/.