SCC Holds Voter Registration Education Events; Recognized for 2022 Voter Registration Efforts

Tuesday, September 17, 2024
student at voter registration booth

Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is actively promoting voter registration and civic engagement by hosting a series of voter registration events in preparation for the November elections. Led by the Office of Student Leadership and Experience, these events aim to provide spaces on campus where students can learn about issues that impact them and participate in meaningful discussions. SCC’s dedication to promoting civic engagement and voter participation earned the college national recognition during the 2022 elections.

Through educational events, civic engagement workshops, and voter registration initiatives, SCC empowers students to meaningfully contribute to the democratic process. By providing spaces for open dialogue and discussion, encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives and develop informed opinions, and helping students understand the importance of their vote and how to navigate the voting process, the Office of Student Leadership and Experience aims to elevate student voices and help their fellow students exercise their fundamental rights as citizens of the American Democracy.

“I’m incredibly proud to see students advocating that their peers take their civic responsibility to vote seriously,” says SCC President Dr. Eric Leshinskie. “For many first-time voters, the process can seem confusing. These events help simplify the process and make it easier for young people to make their voices heard.”

Over 30 events throughout September, October, and November will give students the opportunity to register and educate themselves about critical issues in the upcoming election.

These events build off of SCC’s award-winning efforts during the 2022 election when the college was recognized for having the highest voting rate of any Arizona college. SCC also earned a Silver Seal from ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, a national organization that fosters civic culture and institutionalizes democratic engagement activities and programs at colleges and universities. The Silver Seal is awarded to campuses with 30%–39% voter participation or higher in the 2022 Midterm Election. Additionally, SCC was included on ALL IN’s inaugural list of Top Campuses by 2022 Voter Turnout for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Election Day on November 5, 2024, is approaching fast, so be sure to register! SCC’s voter registration events are open to the public and take place over two weeks: Monday, September 23, through Thursday, September 26, and Monday, September 30, through Thursday, October 3, from 11:30 am to 1 pm.

Constitution Week | September 16 – 20

Cora Tso

12–1 pm  |  ICC-222

Virtual Link: bit.ly/navr-f2024
Passcode: SCCVOTE

Navigating the Ballot: A Historical and Contemporary Look at Native American Voting Rights in Arizona with Cora Tso

This presentation will explore the complex history and ongoing challenges of Native American voting rights in Arizona. Cora Tso will highlight the historical barriers, such as discriminatory laws and practices, and explain their impact on Native communities' access to the ballot in Arizona. Additionally, this presentation will describe current struggles and advancements, providing a comprehensive overview of how these issues shape political participation today. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the intersections between Tribal sovereignty, justice, and electoral engagement for Native Americans in Arizona.

Cora Tso is a Senior Research Fellow at Arizona State University (ASU)’s Kyl Center for Water Policy. In this role, Cora works to research, analyze, and develop recommendations related to Tribal water policy, including analyzing Tribal Nations’ interests, needs, and opportunities in regulatory and legislative processes, collaborating with Tribal leaders, government agencies, and stakeholders in connection with the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative (AWII) and building productive, lasting relationships between ASU AWII and Tribal water leaders. Previously, Cora has worked with governmental, private, and non-profit organizations focusing on Indian law and environmental law and policy matters including the Navajo Nation Department of Justice’s Water Rights Unit and with Western Resource Advocates as their Western Lands attorney. Cora is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. She is of the Reed People clan and born for the Black Streaked Wood clan. Her maternal grandparents are of the Bitterwater clan and her paternal grandparents are of the Red House clan. She was born and raised on the Navajo reservation and is originally from Shonto, Arizona, which is located in northeastern Arizona.

11:30 am–1:30 pm  |  SC Cafeteria

Voter Registration and Boba Party

It’s National Voter Registration Day and Constitution Day! Join us for FREE boba drinks, get registered to vote, learn about your rights, and get voter education resources!

Bryn Defusco11:50 am–12:20 pm  |  Turquoise Room (SC164) or Virtual

Virtual Link: bit.ly/discussion-kyr
Passcode: SCCVOTE

Know Your Rights and the Constitution with Bryn Defusco

Join Bryn Defusco in a discussion about your rights and the Constitution. Community organizations will be there to answer your questions and provide you with voter education resources.

Bryn was a trial attorney with the Office of Public Advocate for nine years before starting with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in 2012. In 2006, she was recognized by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for her outstanding contributions to the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Teen Court Programs.  She was also nominated for the Arizona Public Defender Association’s Rising Star Award.

11 am  |  Artie’s Lounge or Virtual

Virtual Link: bit.ly/woc-election2024

Women of Color in the 2024 Election: Preferences and Power webinar

Join the Latina Futures 2050 Lab on Thursday, September 19th, for an insightful discussion on the significant political impact of women of color in the 2024 general election. This panel, featuring leading scholars, will explore how these powerful voters are shaping the political landscape through their unique experiences and intersectional identities.

As the 2024 election approaches, understanding the complexities of voter behavior in communities of color is more crucial than ever. Our conversation will provide deep insights into the evolving dynamics of American democracy and the influential role that women of color play in driving change.

We will be streaming the webinar in Artie’s Lounge, or you can join from the comfort of your own device!

 

11:30 am–1 pm  |  Artie’s Lounge, LC Building, Business School Lobby

Voter Registration and Swag Tables

Pick up a voter registration form, register online or check if you're already registered. This is a one-stop shop to make your voter registration process fast and easy!

Want more Constitution Day fun? Visit the District-wide Constitution Day Events page.

Voter Education Week | October 7 – 11

Nicholas Crookston
Nicholas Crookston

12–1 pm  |  Virtual

Virtual Link: bit.ly/voto-latino-panel

Our Vote, Nuestro Poder: VL On-Campus, Relational Organizing, and Growing Your Civic Impact in a Historic Moment

Join the Voto Latino Foundation team, Nicholas Crookston and Damian Lem Gonzalez, to discuss Latino voters in the 2024 election, how to engage and empower diverse student coalitions with resources around voting and making a plan to vote, and easy-lift tools and opportunities to grow your impact in partnership with the VL On-Campus campaign. We will also discuss opportunities for Scottsdale Community College students to get involved with the VLF’s non-partisan #VotaConGanas campaign and help register voters.

Damian Lem Gonzalez
Damian Lem Gonzalez

12–1 pm  |  Streaming in Artie’s Lounge or join online

Virtual Link: bit.ly/ballot-tab-security

Virtual Workshop Part 1—Ballot Tabulation and Security

Maricopa County Election Director, Scott Jarrett, will take you on a virtual tour of the Ballot and Tabulation Center while providing insights to the election process. You can see firsthand how Maricopa County conducts elections securely and accurately.

12–1 pm  |  Streaming in Artie’s Lounge or join online

Virtual Link: bit.ly/ws-vote-security

Virtual Workshop Part 2—Vote Centers and Security

Elections Director Scott Jarrett shows voters the ins and outs of a Vote Center. See the process of voting in person and what to expect.

12–1 pm  |  Streaming in Artie’s Lounge or join online

Virtual Link: bit.ly/ws3-access-voting

Virtual Workshop Part 3—Accessible Voting & Special Election Boards

Elections Director Scott Jarrett shows voters the ins and outs of Accessible Voting & Special Election Boards. See the process of voting with our Accessible Machines and & Special Ballots.

12–1 pm  |  Streaming in Artie’s Lounge or join online

Virtual Link: bit.ly/ws3-access-voting

Virtual Workshop Part 4—Election Connection: What to Expect Regarding Elections in 2024 and How to BeBallotReady

Election Directors Scott Jarrett and Rey Valenzuela answer voters’ questions on:

  • What to expect regarding elections in 2024?
  • How people can make sure they are BeBallotReady?

These timely voter questions will help prepare the community for upcoming elections.

Lead up to the Election

October 14 – November 4  |  12–2:30 pm  |  Artie’s Lounge

Popcorn and Propositions: Artie Learns about Props!

Every day, we take on different Arizona propositions that will be on the ballot to better understand what a "yes" vote means and what a "no" vote means.


Election Day

Tuesday, November 5  |  11:45 am–1:30 pm  |  Artie’s Lounge

Election Day Watch Party

Come vote or turn in your Early Ballot on Campus and then join us for an Election Day Watch Party as we follow the results live! Lunch will be provided (while supplies last). Don't miss out on the excitement!

Download the Civic Engagement Events Calendar flyer.