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You are here: UMW / University Relations / News / Top Stories / Day on Democracy Empowers Student Voters at UMW

Day on Democracy Empowers Student Voters at UMW

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From left to right: Kaylah Lightfoot, Kate McDaid, Jorrin Casa de Calvo and Merna Mousa participate in Day on Democracy at the University of Mary Washington. The Election Day event encourages voter participation and fosters a sense of community and responsibility. Photo by Sam Cahill.
From left to right: Kaylah Lightfoot, Kate McDaid, Jorrin Casa de Calvo and Merna Mousa participate in Day on Democracy at the University of Mary Washington. The Election Day event encourages voter participation and fosters a sense of community and responsibility. Photo by Sam Cahill.

In a resounding display of civic engagement, the University of Mary Washington community turned out for Day on Democracy. Student volunteers and members of the University’s faculty and staff rallied over 160 students to the polls at Fredericksburg’s Dorothy Hart Community Center on Election Day.

Throughout the day, various activities kept the campus buzzing with democratic fervor. The UMW Votes team, stationed at the Bell Tower from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., played a crucial role in informing and assisting students on ballot races and same-day voter registration, and the Fredericksburg Trolley provided rides to the polls. The day was punctuated by a puppy petting party, hosted by Old Dominion Humane Society, as well as free donuts, pizza and taco bowls.

A testament to UMW’s commitment to nurturing active and informed citizens, the day encouraged student participation in democracy and fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Student volunteers manned tables near the Bell Tower, handing out information and helping students grab free rides to the polls. Photo by Sam Cahill.
Student representatives from UMW Votes and Day on Democracy handed out stickers and information to help voters navigate the polls. Photo by Sam Cahill.
Election Day played out at UMW with a big push for civic participation. Donuts, pizza and taco bowls were just some of the details that enticed students to the polls.
UMW student Alanah Cleare prepares to board a trolley for a free ride to cast her vote. Photo by Sam Cahill.

“It’s great to see so many students getting excited about voting,” said Center for Community Engagement Director Sarah Dewees. “Many of the students who stopped by the table were first-time voters and are learning the habits of engaged citizenship.”

The event also garnered praise from students.

Kaylah Lightfoot, secretary of UMW’s NAACP Chapter, highlighted the importance of voting to recognize history and empower the future. So did Tonia Attie, co-president and founder of UMW’s chapter of Day on Democracy.

“It’s a day for students to celebrate democracy and carry out their civic duty,” Attie said. “All the change you want to see in the world starts with one vote.”

Josh Cole, now delegate-elect in the 65th House District of the Virginia General Assembly, along with other local candidates, stopped by UMW on Election Day 2023 to mingle with Mary Washington students. Photo by Sam Cahill.
The Fredericksburg Trolley provided free rides to the polls for Mary Washington students. Photo by Sam Cahill.
Day on Democracy encourages students to take part in the democratic process and encompasses UMW’s commitment to nurturing active and informed citizens. Photo by Sam Cahill.
Tonia Attie, co-president and founder of UMW’s chapter of Day on Democracy, takes a free trolley ride to the poles during the Day on Democracy event at UMW. Photo by Sam Cahill.