As the 2024 election season approaches, students at Southern University are mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard, despite increasing challenges to voting rights across the nation. With voting access under threat, student organizations on campus, including the Southern University Chapter of the NAACP, the Student Government Association (SGA), and The Divine 9 organizations, are spearheading efforts to get students registered and ready to vote.
With the majority of our student body finally eligible to vote by the major election occurring on November 5th 2024, it’s essential to prepare for the economic outcome whether you’re aware of the presidential candidates or not. The Southern DIGEST caught up with the SU NAACP chapter.
Rylon Rowe, President of the Southern University Chapter of the NAACP and a senior Political Science major, emphasized the urgency of these efforts. “The impact as a chapter, community, and university requires all hands and all focus towards this election season. Not only is it critical to our students, but anyone who may be challenged in this economy. That’s why this year, my focus is to ensure students, no matter their beliefs, identity, or economic class, register to vote and fight for their education, civil rights, and most importantly, our future!” Rowe said.
The initiative comes as Louisiana faces a contentious political climate. On August 26, 2024, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order targeting noncitizens, claiming it would prevent voter fraud. The order mandates state agencies to include notices that it is illegal for noncitizens to vote and directs the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to compile a list of individuals with temporary IDs to cross-check against voter rolls.
This move aligns with similar actions by conservative leaders nationwide but has drawn criticism for potentially disenfranchising legitimate voters, especially within marginalized communities. Despite these challenges, Southern University students and organizations remain committed to ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the upcoming election.
As the election draws near, the Southern University community is doubling down on efforts to make sure that every student is registered and informed. With many students voting for the first time, organizations on campus are working to ensure that the process is as accessible as possible.
Tieler Rollins, a sophomore Pre-Vet Medicine major and first-time voter, spoke about the significance of voting in Louisiana. “As a first-time voter and Louisiana resident, this is a significant milestone in any individual’s life. In Louisiana, voting is made even more accessible, particularly for college students. Many campuses facilitate voter registration and provide ample resources to help students understand the voting process,” Rollins explained.
For out-of-state students like Shamaya Mills, a freshman Criminal Justice major, ensuring that their voting status is up to date is vital. “Being that I voted for my local officials back home in Georgia, I do think it’s essential that I was able to recently have my voting address in Louisiana. The ladies during the Voter Registration table with NAACP came into Totty and assured me I was good to go!” Mills said.
Meanwhile, the National Pan-Hellenic Council® (NPHC), commonly known as the Divine 9®, has announced a massive voter mobilization campaign just this summer. As the Council of Presidents stated, “This campaign will activate the thousands of chapters and members in our respective organizations to ensure strong voter turnout in the communities we serve. This nonpartisan coordinated voter mobilization effort builds on our shared legacies of social action and service to our communities. The Divine 9 stands in unity to Get Out The Vote. We are stronger together.”
With voter registration drives, educational campaigns, and a united front, Southern University is set to make a significant impact at the polls, proving once again the power of collective action in the face of adversity.
