Morningside University has been named a recipient of the 2021 Silver Seal by ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Honors Higher Education Institutions, Educators and Students Who Increased Student Voter Engagement During the 2020 Elections

Morningside University has been named a recipient of the 2021 Silver Seal following the third biennial awards ceremony hosted by ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

The award recognized select higher education institutions, educators, and students for their extraordinary work in student voter engagement during the 2020 presidential election. More than 840 institutions enrolling close to nine million students participate in the ALL IN Challenge. The efforts at Morningside were spearheaded by student leaders from the Col. Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement and the Morningside Civic Union.

“The 2020 election was unique because of the challenges COVID-19 created. I am incredibly proud of the dedication Morningside students showed to engaging in the electoral process and encouraging one another to be educated, informed, and engaged despite the obstacles resulting from the pandemic,” said Dr. Valerie Hennings, associate professor of political science, director of the Col. Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement, and co-advisor of Morningside Civic Union.

The 2020 election cycle saw unprecedented voter registration and turnout among college students according to the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), a research study of the Institute for Democracy in Higher Education (IDHE) at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. IDHE reported that 66 percent of college students voted in the 2020 election, a 14 point increase from 2016. Data provided by IDHE shows Morningside University’s voting rate increased from 67.6 percent in 2016 to 68.2 percent in 2020.

“The students involved with the Col. Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement and the Morningside Civic Union are an outstanding reflection of our commitment to civic responsibility. Their hard work and dedication are key to making our democracy the best it can be as we move into the future,” said Morningside University President John Reynders.

About the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) is a national, nonpartisan initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) organization. ALL IN strives for a more inclusive democracy—one in which all voices are heard. We believe that higher education plays a role in graduating students into voters and in closing electoral participation gaps that persist by race and age. Through an intentionally designed program—which provides structure, support, and recognition—ALL IN strengthens college and university efforts to improve civic learning, political engagement, and voter participation. Ensuring that students are registered to vote and participate in all elections is a key component of our work.

Learn more and see a full list of winning campuses at allinchallenge.org/awards-ceremony.