UM-Flint recognized for exceptional 2024 student voter turnout

To be recognized by ALL IN, universities must complete four key actions: participate in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, share their National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement reports with the organization, develop a democratic engagement action plan, and commit to full student voter participation. These tasks provide the university with tools it can use to strengthen civic engagement on campus.

"In 2022, we had the highest voter turnout rate in the entire country, and in our state, we had the highest voter registration rate," said Jacquindre Brown, former president of the UM-Flint Turn Up Turnout organization, who graduated in December 2024 with a double major in political science and history. "This past semester, our focus was to help both community and campus, because when our community thrives, our campus does as well."

As part of their efforts to promote nonpartisan voter engagement, Turn Up Turnout hosted a variety of events to get students and community members talking about the 2024 election, such as a watch party for the presidential debate which attracted more than 100 attendees. The organization also hosted several "Dinners for Democracy" that aimed to raise awareness about subjects such as climate change and local politics over a meal. Turn Up Turnout also collaborated with UM-Flint Housing and Residential Life to inform students of ways to vote, even if they were away from their home addresses.

"Community outreach was a big focus this year," said Brown. "We did a big door-to-door canvassing event in collaboration with Flint Votes, the Black Student Union, and Student Government. We wanted to make sure we had an opportunity to reach out to the community. Altogether we had 44 volunteers who participated, and we knocked on 1,841 doors."

In addition to in-person canvassing, Turn Up Turnout also organized a phone-banking campaign in collaboration with the Arab American Heritage Council, ending with more than 10,000 phone calls that provided individuals with critical voter information. "When it comes to phone banking, our main goal is to remain nonpartisan. We want to make sure that we do not tell people what they should do, and instead provide them with information on voting itself," said Brown.

Brown hopes to continue to make meaningful differences in the Flint community even after graduating. "I really love this city," said Brown, who was born and raised in the city. "Flint has a lot of potential, and I do not want to see it wasted. Whether it's helping out a nonprofit,  assisting the Genesee County Commission, or helping local legislators in the downtown area, I want to make sure that this city can prosper."

"Civic engagement is not only about voicing concerns but about actively engaging with and contributing to the well-being of our campus and surrounding community," said Christopher Giordano, UM-Flint vice chancellor for student affairs. "At UM-Flint, students have a tremendous impact on voting and elections through their advocacy, actions, and collaborations with campus and community leaders. And in doing so, UM-Flint students help shape the future they will inherit, proving that their voices matter in creating change."

Although many members of Turn Up Turnout graduate each year, Brown said the organization is in good hands. "Our first-year students have been very active. Although they just started this semester, they are making sure the message of democratic engagement is heard. They have been amazing, and the future of (this university) is going to be bright with members like them going into the next year."