Helping students fulfill their civic duty

As part of its commitment to democracy, W&M is dedicated to helping students, faculty and staff participate in elections.

League of Women Voter volunteers and voting official Haley Snapp staff the voter information table at W&M's law school.

As the Alma Mater of the Nation, William & Mary has a vigorous focus on civic engagement. The right to vote is fundamental to our nation, and W&M has a team devoted to voter engagement led by a dedicated group of students, faculty and community members, with advice and support from the Williamsburg Voter Registrar Office. In prior years, these efforts have resulted in W&M's national recognition as a Voter Friendly Campus.

"Voting is important," said Rich Thompson, who co-advises W&M's efforts as associate director of civic and community engagement. "Being the Alma Mater of the Nation ties us to leadership, and one of the core principles of leadership is civic engagement and one of those pillars is tied to voting.

"In 2020, we had one of the highest voter registration rates in the state of Virginia," Thompson said. "It was over 80%, which is quite an accomplishment, and that put us in the top tier of voter registration rates." Data for the 2024 election cycle is not yet available.

Registration efforts have geared up again this fall to help students, faculty and staff fulfill their civic responsibility, whether they vote here or another place they call home. Because college students often change addresses between election cycles, it is important to remember that only one vote may be cast.

Virginia is one of only two states with a statewide election this year. Statewide offices - governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general - are on the ballot. New Jersey is also holding what is known as "off-year elections," staggered from the federal election years.

"Some of our New Jersey students are voting by absentee ballot, and we can help them get an absentee ballot delivered here," said Haley Snapp, Williamsburg's chief deputy voter registrar. Snapp and volunteers from the League of Women Voters have been offering voter information and registration sessions across campus since the semester began.

"What we're trying to instill is muscle memory for the rest of their lives: This is how you register, this is how to change your registration, these are the different options you have for voting itself," she said. "The big education piece is about showing them their rights and responsibilities."

Though requirements vary by state, those who want to participate in Virginia can register to vote now through 5 p.m. Oct. 24 either online or in-person at the Williamsburg Municipal Building, 401 Lafayette St. "The most important thing is you need an acceptable ID," Snapp said - typically a U.S. passport, valid driver's license or a state ID card. Blue or black ink is required (no pencils) on the registration form. Voting officials plead for legible writing and full legal names on applications. If using a student ID for voting, it must bear the voter's legal name.

The last day to register (or request a mail-in ballot) in Virginia is Oct. 24.

Election Day for in-person voting is Nov. 4 at designated precincts. There is no voting at the Municipal Building after Nov. 1.

Those who have not yet registered by Nov. 4 can vote, but they will be issued a "provisional ballot," which will not be counted until the voter's registration eligibility is verified. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 and received by Nov. 7.

"Even though we have same-day registration and you can still vote with a provisional ballot if you miss the regular deadline, those votes will not be counted until after Election Day and could even be rejected for various reasons," said Snapp. "That's why we encourage everyone to register by (Oct. 24) so you can feed your ballot in yourself during Early Voting or on Election Day and your vote will be reported with the election results on election night."

There are roughly 11,500 registered voters in the city of Williamsburg. Election officials always hope for the highest participation possible. In gubernatorial elections, however, the average turnout is about 50%.

Snapp would especially like everyone to know that once they fill out a voter registration form they may hear from her directly, if there is a problem. Anyone with questions about voting can call the Williamsburg Voter Registrar Office at 757-220-6157.

Susan Corbett, Communications Specialist

• share by email
• share on Facebook
• share on X
• share on LinkedIn

• share by email
• share on Facebook
• share on X
• share on LinkedIn

Related Stories