The University of Illinois Springfield joined thousands of colleges across the country on Tuesday, September 19, in celebrating National Voter Registration Day. The Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center hosted a voter registration table at the Student Union, encouraging students to register and participate in the democratic process.

“Today is our big event, with it being National Voter Registration Day. Campuses all over the country are holding these types of events,” said Jill Hawkins-Wright, director of the Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center, underscoring the nationwide nature of the initiative.

Hawkins-Wright stressed that the center’s mission is to empower students to use their voices. “We all have a voice, and we all have an important responsibility to play a part in making our voices heard,” she said.

To make registration easy and accessible, the center set up a table near the entrance of the Student Union, offering registration papers, informational materials, and even stickers for participants. The effort aligns with the center’s stated mission to foster “a commitment to civic and social responsibilities within individual students, faculty, and staff as well as UIS as a whole,” according to its UIS Connections page.

Hawkins-Wright encouraged students to register early rather than waiting until deadlines approach. “You don’t want to push things too close to the deadline. Sometimes other things come up or the internet’s not working,” she noted. “It’s really an easy process. It doesn’t take long and we’re here to help.”

For students who missed the September 19 event, Hawkins-Wright emphasized that help is available year-round. “Our office is always available for any assistance throughout the year,” she said.

The Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center is located in the Student Leadership Center in the Student Union and provides ongoing resources to support students in registering and preparing to vote.