NAICU Washington Update

2022 Your Vote, Your Voice Resources Launched

July 29, 2022

NAICU has launched its 2022 Your Vote, Your Voice voter registration initiative ahead of the November midterm elections.  All the members of the House of Representatives and one third of the Senate face reelection this fall.

Voter education and registration activities historically have been important undertakings of the nation’s colleges and universities. Since the reauthorization the Higher Education Act in 1998, postsecondary institutions have been required to make a good-faith effort to distribute voter registration forms to students prior to the registration deadlines for presidential and gubernatorial elections.

NAICU’s resource page includes information and links on how to register, registration deadlines by state, and tips on running a campus-focused voter registration campaign.

Constitution Day

Colleges and universities receiving federal funds are required to annually conduct an educational program related to the United States Constitution on September 17, which commemorates the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787.

Since the federal provision does not define “educational program,” campuses have a great deal of latitude on how to observe the event. The regulations do not indicate any penalties for failure to comply with the mandate, nor do they indicate that specific activities need to be reported.

The Library of Congress and the Constitution Center both list a number of resources for planning activities and recognizing Constitution Day. 
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