Inspiring Civic Engagement: UIW Hosts Constitution Day Event

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, UIW held a Constitution Day event on Dubis Lawn, as part of the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability's (ECCLS) "UIW Votes" initiative. The event welcomed UIW students to register to vote, obtain information regarding the upcoming national election and even participate in a Presidential and Texas Senate mock election in preparation of what will be many Cardinals' first time voting in an election this November.

This event was coordinated by ECCLS in collaboration with UIW's Political Science Department, Pi Sigma Alpha, Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Student Veterans Association, the League of United Women's Voters of San Antonio and Jolt Initiative.

"The Ettling Center is working with on-campus and local organizations to offer various services and opportunities to our campus community," sharded Ricardo Gonzalez, ECCLS director. "For instance, the League of United Women's Voters of San Antonio and Jolt Initiative have been helping students register to vote. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also encouraged students to volunteer as poll watchers for the upcoming Nov. 5 federal, state and local elections. Meanwhile, UIW student organizations and faculty from the Political Science department provided a platform for students, faculty and staff to practice ballot casting by hosting the UIW mock election."

Over 320 students, faculty and staff participated in the mock election.

Gonzalez shared that participating students benefitted from the Constitution Day event, as it was an excellent opportunity to educate them about various ways to get involved and participate in the upcoming election and how to remain informed voters for years to come. To him, it was evident that a heightened sense of civic engagement and responsibility was in the air as dozens of students registered to vote, several expressed an interest in becoming poll watchers and many inquired about the voting process and polling locations.

"Sr. Dot Ettling (ECCLS founder) envisioned our campus community being actively engaged in their community, and this initiative is a great example of encouraging our students to get involved, as their engagement and individual vote can truly make a difference," stated Gonzalez. "We also encourage students and campus community members to plan to vote and to urge others to vote in this year's election. The Ettling Center will host various "UIW Votes" activities throughout September, October and on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5), including providing free transportation to and from the voting polls."