Salem State Earns Silver Seal For Student Voting Outreach Efforts

SALEM, MA — Salem State University's efforts to engage students in the political process were recognized with the Silver Seal after between 30 and 39 percent of the campus voted in the 2022 midterm elections.

The nonpartisan "ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge" cited Salem State as having the highest voter engagement of any public campus in Massachusetts.

"Casting a ballot on election day is among the highest responsibilities a citizen has. With our campus community about to embark on one of the most consequential elections in their lifetime, we're honored to be recognized for our student voter engagement efforts in the last major election cycle," SSU President John D. Keenan said. "Civic engagement is at the core of our mission here at Salem State University, and there’s no greater way to support the civic health of the Commonwealth than through voter engagement efforts."

Salem State was also recently honored for its plans to support students in this year's election cycl

"Voter engagement and civic participation are hallmarks of a Salem State education," said Cynthia Lynch, assistant vice provost for the Center for Civic Engagement. "It is wonderful to be recognized for excellence in student voter registration and turnout during the 2022 midterm elections from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The 2022 fall election was a difficult election to navigate and draw participation in given the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on campus life at the time, so receiving this award is extra special."

During the 2022 cycle, Salem State's student ambassadors assisted in a "Voterpalooza" campaign to get more students registered to vote and educated on campaign issues.

"As we head into the 2024 presidential election, we recognize that 18- to 29-year-olds are the largest and most diverse group of potential voters, and that gives them the power to elect candidates who will fight for the issues and futures they care about," Lynch said. "The Berry Institute of Politics has welcomed students to campus, and our Viking Vote Ambassadors are making sure they are registered to vote if they are able, educating students on the issues, and leading a robust Get Out the Vote effort the week before the election."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)