APSA Statement on Civic Engagement and Voting
As a discipline devoted to understanding government and politics, APSA encourages the civic participation of our members and of the public. A healthy civic life is one of engagement. In fact, a core APSA objective is “to prepare citizens to be effective citizens and political participants.” Thus, we encourage political scientists to share information with their students and communities to increase awareness of public issues and to inform deliberations by sharing disciplinary knowledge.
Registering to vote, getting educated about issues and candidates, and casting a ballot on Election Day are key elements of an engaged and participatory citizenship. Therefore, APSA encourages ongoing campus voter registration efforts and student participation in the electoral and civic life of their local communities, states, and national government. Please consider ways that you may be able to promote voter registration efforts on your campus.