At Oakland University, we take great pride in our civic and community engagement. The OU Center for Civic Engagement plays a vital role as a convener of conversations about issues that shape the lives of people in our communities.
And, we are extremely proud of OU students’ recent voting record.
In the 2016 presidential election, 56.7% of OU students voted, which was higher than the average of 50.4% at other higher education institutions in the nation. In the midterm election of 2018, about 47% of OU students voted, which outpaced the 39% rate at other universities.
This election, let’s improve on the percentage and make sure everyone gets out to vote.
If you haven’t registered to vote, it’s not too late. Same day registration and voting is provided at your local city clerk’s office. All you have to do is bring your personal identification to prove you are at least 18 years old, a Michigan resident and a U.S. citizen.
By nature, and institutional mission, those of us who attend and work at OU are idealists. We believe education, seeking a broader understanding of the world and an appreciation of the diversity of people, ideas and opinions are essential for a healthy public discourse and democracy. At OU, we take great pride in our commitment to making sure divergent views are presented and respected.
At Oakland, we aim to inspire students and help them build the foundation of active citizenship through education, and rigorous thinking. Staying informed and educated on current events, trends and issues requires research and the study of history, politics and perspectives. We know OU students are up to the challenge.
For many of us, the right to vote did not come easily.
Women were granted the right to vote by passage of the 19th amendment in 1920. There was a time when young men could be drafted into the Vietnam war, but didn’t have the right to vote; the extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 changed that.
And, of course, while the 13th (1865), 14th (1868), and 15th (1870) amendments were designed to ensure the equality for emancipated slaves, it wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that there was the legal enforcement for African Americans to vote.
Our right and privilege to vote today is made possible by the sacrifices of previous generations, who fought to have their voices heard, and to have some input into the decisions of their government.
Your vote is a vital link to the proud legacy of American democracy.
Ora
Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D.
Oakland University, President
