Four Arcadia University students recently traveled to Harrisburg to take part in the 2024 Student Voting Summit. The event, hosted by Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project, brought together students, educators, and civic leaders from across Pennsylvania for discussions on empowering young voters, addressing barriers to student voting, and fostering valuable networks for civic engagement.

Cristy Gori ’27, Marisa Alexander ’28, Lillyann Hokel ’28, and Juno Teller ’28 were given the chance to participate in various discussions, mix and mingle with elected officials and other like-minded students, and explore the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Alison LaLond Wyant, Ed.D., executive director of Arcadia’s Division of Civic and Global Engagement, also attended the event with the Arcadia student delegation.

“Events like the Pennsylvania Student Voting Summit expose students to peers, nonprofit organizations, and elected officials who value their civic participation, and young people appreciate that reminder because members of Gen Z often feel undervalued and counted out,”  LaLond Wyant said. “Our students and their peers are not at all apathetic, so events like workshops and this summit are great because they recognize students’ interest and value. Plus, it was a beautiful day in Harrisburg, and it was the Arcadia delegates’ first time seeing the state capitol building.”

The summit kicked off with a welcome period in the morning, where students were given the opportunity to explore the Capitol Building, network with others, and enjoy a bite to eat before programming started. The Arcadia contingent took full advantage of the chance to see the beautiful building where Commonwealth policy and laws are made.

“Getting to explore the Capitol Building amazed me,” Alexander said. “The design, the artwork, everything about it.”

The afternoon started with a panel discussion featuring elected officials from across Pennsylvania. Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas and Harrisburg City Treasurer Dan Miller took part in the panel, stressing the importance of the youth vote and how to enable young voters to make the best decisions possible. Then, the Arcadia contingent attended a session on mis/disinformation. For Alexander, a Biochemistry major and Music minor, the session was one of the most important parts of the day.

“I loved the misinformation session,” she said. “We learned the many different ways people can spread misinformation, both intentionally and by accident. This information is extremely important to know, especially in an election year.”

Alexander also appreciated the time she got to spend with her Arcadia classmates and other students from around the state.

“Events like the Voter Summit help young college students learn about common misconceptions regarding politics and why we should vote,” Alexander said. “I enjoyed spending time with other like-minded Arcadia students who care about the country’s future. The whole event just reminded me of a cute little historic road trip with family, and I really enjoyed it.”

Hokel, an International Business and Culture major, concurred.

“It’s important to hold these events to help students make an informed decision when they vote, not just because of their party, but also their views,” she said. “It was a very fun event. It wasn’t too formal, which made it a good atmosphere to ask questions and learn.”

The summit was just one of many events Arcadia students can take part in leading up to the election.

“The next step beyond events like the summit is to offer university resources, such as space and time, for students to connect, organize, and build together,” LaLond Wyant said. “As much as our students appreciate learning from those who have come before them, they’re also ready to take the reins. We are looking forward to all of the upcoming events because of how they will optimize the power of peer-to-peer engagement.”