Washington Monthly recently included Middle Georgia State University in its 2018 America’s Best Colleges for Student Voting guide. A part of The College Guide and Rankings – which rates colleges and universities on their contributions to social mobility, research, and public service – this is a first-of-its-kind list of the schools doing the most to turn students into citizens.
 
“We’re thrilled to have been recognized by Washington Monthly for being engaged with our democracy," said Dr. Christopher Lawrence, MGA's assistant chair of the Department of History and Political Science and also the chair of the University's ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge steering committee. "In 2016, we had more than half of our students vote in the presidential election, and we’re hoping to continue to have high student turnout in this month’s crucial congressional and state elections across the region.”
 
Middle Georgia State's inclusion on the list demonstrates the commitment it has made to promote civic engagement among the student body, encouraging students to vote, and actively participate in community decisions.
 
According to Washington Monthly, “Since voting habits tend to crystallize in young adulthood—vote in one election, and you’re far more likely to do so again—colleges and universities have an unparalleled opportunity to create voters not just for the next election, but for life. The colleges that invest in student voting aren’t just helping theirWashington Monthly rankings—they’re helping the country.”
 
Ensuring that the nation’s young people – its future leaders – are inspired to engage civically is key to strengthening democracy. On many college and university campuses, less than half of eligible student voters exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot in presidential elections. To do its part in improving youth civic engagement, Middle Georgia State participates in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), which offers colleges and universities an opportunity to learn their student registration and voting rates.
 
Middle Georgia State also participates in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, a national, nonpartisan awards program recognizing colleges and universities for improving civic learning, political engagement, and student voting rates. As a part of this initiative, students, faculty, and staff have worked together to develop and implement an action plan to improve practice and change culture.
 
Through those efforts, MGA has committed to graduating active and informed citizens.