League of Women Voters Encourages Student Participation Ahead of Voter Registration Deadline

Cadence and Delaney from the Evening Drive Show on 91.9 interview Donna from the League of Women Voters. Courtesy: Andrew Smith

Listen to Delaney and Cadence interview Donna Schenk Hamlin on 91.9

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MANHATTAN, Kan. — As the voter registration deadline looms, Donna Shenk Hamlin from the League of Women Voters joined Delaney and Cadence on Wildcat 91.9’s Evening Drive Show to discuss the importance of civic engagement among students. With voter registration closing at noon on Tuesday, Hamlin emphasized the ease of checking registration status and making voting plans through the website ksvotes.org.

Hamlin, a long-standing member of the League of Women Voters of Riley County and a participant in Kansas State University's Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy (ICDD), highlighted the collaborative efforts to promote voter participation.

"We're pushing for students to register with their Manhattan, KS Riley County address to avoid scheduling conflicts," she noted, underscoring the practicality for students residing in Kansas.

The discussion also touched on the ICDD's role in fostering civic discourse. Hamlin explained that the institute, which originated nearly 20 years ago, focuses on encouraging dialogue and deliberation among students and community members. "We want students to feel comfortable discussing issues that matter to them," she said, advocating for informed participation in democratic processes.

Hamlin further elaborated on her experiences as a poll worker, describing it as a rewarding opportunity to engage with the electoral process firsthand. She encouraged students to consider volunteering as poll workers, noting that Riley County compensates volunteers for their time.

Donna Shenk Hamlin on the Wildcat 91.9 Evening Drive Show. Courtesy: Andrew Smith

In addressing concerns about ballot completion, Hamlin reassured listeners that voters are not obligated to fill out every section. "Only fill out what you feel confident in answering," she advised, emphasizing that leaving sections blank is also a valid form of expression.

For those interested in further involvement, Hamlin invited students to connect with both the League of Women Voters and ICDD through their respective social media platforms and websites. Both organizations remain active year-round, offering opportunities for civic engagement and public discourse training.

As the interview concluded, Hamlin reiterated the impact young voters can have in shaping elections. "Your youth cohort can make this election," she affirmed, urging students to seize their opportunity to participate in what is anticipated to be a closely contested election cycle.

For more information on voter registration and involvement opportunities, visit ksvotes.org or contact the League of Women Voters of Manhattan Riley County and ICDD through their online platforms.