This page includes videos, teaching resources, and opportunities to get involved with the Pacific Votes program. Read on for inspiration and ideas for how you can help!
Want to be inspired?
The Spring 2019 "Video for Community Engagement" class explored the voting process in a series of whimsical and informative short videos:
- Registering in Oregon
by Pacific University student Rustin Williams '22. - Casting a Ballot in Oregon
by Pacific University student Abby Weinman '23. - Absentee Ballots
by Pacific University student Cullen Dallas '20. - First Year Student Perspective
by Pacific University student Tui Tuitele '20 and featuring Carmen Bruno '23. - Making Informed Decisions feat. Special Guest Reverend Chuck Currie
by Pacific University student Delaney Dallas '20. - Making Informed Decisions feat. Special Guest Narce Rodriguez
by Pacific University student Cassidy Inman '23. - Making Informed Voting Decisions feat. Special Guest James Moore
by Pacific University student Sebastian Herr '20. - The Power of Collective Action
by Pacific University student Brendan Swogger '23 and featuring Sophia O'Neal '20. - Advocacy, Activism & Voting
by Pacific University student Julie Crumb '21 and featuring Seema Khatcherian '21.
Teaching Resources
- CETCI’s Teaching During Election Season
- AACU Democracy/ReDesigned: How do we envision a more aspirational democracy that works for everyone?
- SSN Faculty Guide to Student Voting in your Classroom
- Clemson’s OER to Support a Thriving Democracy
- Project Pericles Civic Engagement Resources
Club Opportunities
The Pacific Student Political Society is one of the many Service, Politics & Advocacy Clubs active on the Pacific Campus. As we face increasingly fraught election years, it has become apparent that we need spaces on campus, and in our country, where people can hold civil conversations about their political beliefs. While hard, these conversations allow us to find common ground and to challenge, revise, and strengthen our own understanding of the world. Leadership and participation opportunities abound with PSPS and other campus club - consider joining today!
The Work We're Doing
Pacific University is committed to strengthening our support of American democracy by enhancing our students' awareness, motivation, and ability to participate in democratic institutions and processes. The non-partisan Pacific Votes program is guided by the Pacific University Action Plan for Strengthening American Democracy, created as part of our participation in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
There's Still Work to Be Done
In 2021-2022 we were recognized as the first institution in the state of Oregon to receive "Voter Friendly Campus" status and we made Washington Monthly's list of Colleges Doing the Most to Get their Students to Vote for the fourth year in a row. For what did we earn these honors? We are making an earnest effort to do better at empowering our students to vote (when eligible) and to do so with good information and understanding.
We rely on a broad group of stakeholders to help our students participate in each election year. Plus, ANYONE can contribute to a work group, even those who cannot, for one reason or another, vote. If you're a student, faculty/staff member, alum, or community member - we need your input! Please email us for more information and to join us efforts.