Author: Ruth Walker and Sharon Alexander
On September 17, 2024, the League of Women Voters of Chattanooga joined the nationwide effort for National Voter Registration Day. Our dedicated members were stationed at multiple locations, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), Chattanooga State, and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT). With the help of 36 incredible volunteers, we registered a total of 275 students to vote!
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: 232 students registered, supported by 21 volunteers in Heritage Plaza and Chamberlain Plaza.
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology: 24 students registered with the assistance of 6 volunteers.
- Chattanooga State Community College: 19 students registered with the help of 9 volunteers.
This exciting day of civic engagement couldn’t have happened without the joint effort of League members and friends, along with our great partners: the LINKS, Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha sororities, Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and new volunteers who just wanted to do something for democracy.
Our mission didn’t stop at registration. We also provided students with the information and tools they need to actually get to the polls and cast their ballots. From explaining how to check registration status to offering tips on locating polling places – all using the GoVoteTN App – our League members made sure that these new voters are prepared to participate in the upcoming elections.
Our work didn’t go unnoticed. News 12 covered the event at UTC, shining a spotlight on the importance of youth voter participation. Local 3 News also highlighted our efforts, featuring interviews with first-time voters who expressed excitement about their civic duty. You can read more about the coverage from both outlets here:
At the heart of the League’s mission is the belief that informed voters are empowered voters. By connecting with students on campus, we’re not only registering new voters but also fostering a lifelong commitment to civic engagement. The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed at UTC, Chatt State, and TCAT prove that young adults are ready to make their voices heard.
As we continue to work toward creating an informed and engaged electorate, it’s efforts like these that remind us why voter registration—and education—is so vital. Thank you to all our volunteers who made this event a success!
Be sure to check out the gallery of photos from the day’s events below!
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