With less than one week before Election Day, Cal State LA students and faculty are joining forces to educate students on their voter rights, and urge them to get out and vote on Nov. 8. A student-led event called Get Out the Vote was held Nov. 2 in the University-Student Union Plaza and featured resources and incentives for those who stopped by.

Attendees of the event were treated to live music, t-shirt and tote bag designing where they could customize each with election-related messages, temporary tattoos, refreshments and vital information about the upcoming election.

Lynne Berman, one of the event organizers and a lecturer in the Department of Art at Cal State LA, gave credit to the students in her department for helping to develop the activities of the day and for designing the election swag on display. Berman also praised the voting information tent which was on-hand to give details “on how to vote and how to get non-partisan information about voting.”

Cal State LA students Ariadna Torres, a fourth-year graphic design major, and Lennon Xue, a second-year undecided major, both joined the event as volunteers this year in order to encourage their fellow students to vote. 

“For me, one of the reasons why I decided to participate [in voting] is because I have friends and family that aren’t able to vote, and I think people who do have the opportunity to vote have a lot of power to change and make our voices heard,” said Torres. “What I stand for is, if not you, then who?” she added.

“This is my second time voting and I think people should definitely consider voting ‘cause it’s our right to vote, and it’s always important because no matter where you’re from it’s always a good idea to utilize your vote to help improve your community and the people around you,” said Xue. He continued, “Even if you’re unsure about voting or you’re unsure that your voice counts, just remember that boycotting voting isn’t going to do anything. It’s going to give the power to the people that, you know, disagree with you most. Just remember voting is important.”

Get Out the Vote was a collaborative effort co-sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement, College of Arts and Letters, Department of Art, Associated Students Inc., and Career Center; with assistance provided by the Pat Brown Institute.

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to vote at the Cal State LA Vote Center which will be located at the University Library in Palmer Wing, Room 4049. Voting at this location will be open beginning Saturday, Nov. 5 and run through election day on Tuesday, Nov. 8 until 8 p.m. Voting hours can be found on the Cal State LA vote center website.

Additional information about the upcoming election can also be found in the UT Community News 2022 Voters Guide currently available on the UT website.