UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — PSU Votes, Penn State’s University-approved voting initiative, has been working since last spring to provide Penn State students at all campuses with the latest voting-related resources and information so they are prepared to participate in the upcoming general election on Nov. 5.
Members of the Penn State community are encouraged to utilize PSU Votes’ existing online resources for accurate and up-to-date information on voter registration, upcoming elections, and how to make their vote count. Information shared by PSU Votes has been vetted and sources are trustworthy and nonpartisan, said Kendall Mainzer, program coordinator.
Maddie Hindman, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in public policy, has been working as an intern for PSU Votes since May to assemble and disseminate accurate voter information through Canvas modules, volunteering opportunities, and University-wide outreach efforts, along with running the PSU Votes Instagram account.
Hindman spoke with Penn State News to talk about her experience with student voter support at Penn State and what she thinks her peers need to know heading into the election.
Q: Why did you decide to invest your time into voting at Penn State?
Hindman: Through research projects in my undergraduate studies, I learned about the obstacles that young people face with voting. I’ve also, like many in my generation, felt frustrated by the lack of government action on issues I care about. I want to help others overcome obstacles to voting to ensure their voices are heard so we can create change together.
Q: Why did you pursue a master’s degree in public policy?
Hindman: I strongly believe that to create long-lasting change in the United States, we need to start with a policy foundation. Real change is not possible until we address the policies at the core of the problems. I am pursuing a master of public policy degree so I can be a part of the change.
Q: What keeps you up at night when you think about students voting at Penn State?
Hindman: Students need to realize that voting isn’t difficult, but it isn’t that simple, either. Many students are already registered to vote, but don’t know where they’re registered or can go to vote. It’s time to wake up, check your voting information, and be ready for Nov. 5.
Q: How would you suggest students prepare for voting for the election this November?
Hindman: I suggest students get serious about their vote. Young people have the potential to make a huge impact on the outcome of this year’s elections at the federal, state and local levels.
Don’t put things off until the last minute. Check your polling location before it’s too late and make a plan to vote that is right for you. There are a plethora of nonpartisan resources to help students make informed plans to vote. Start by visiting psuvotes.psu.edu or checking us out on Instagram @psuvotes!
Q: When you’re not interning for PSU Votes, what else are you involved in at Penn State?
Hindman: Outside of my work with PSU Votes, I serve as the treasurer for Pi Alpha Alpha, a national honor society for public policy, affairs and administration. Additionally, I am a huge Penn State hockey fan. You can find me most weekends loudly cheering on our men’s and women’s teams at Pegula Ice Arena.
Q: What has been the most exciting part about your work with PSU Votes?
Hindman: My favorite part about my job with PSU Votes has been working the voter registration tables. The best experiences have been when students come up with a million questions and they leave fully informed and ready to vote. Every vote truly does count, and it’s incredibly meaningful when I get to help students make their voting plan.
Q: Where can students find you to learn more about voter education and this year’s election?
Hindman: Students can find me in my office in 103 HUB most days of the week. I can be reached over email at psuvotes@psu.edu. I often support PSU Votes tables alongside trained and talented volunteers in the HUB-Robeson Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
