Electoral Engagement

Bates students tabling for voter registration

An enduring part of a Bates education is a commitment to informed civic action, and as stewards of that educational experience, we are committed to inspiring our campus community to participate in civic life.   

Bates Votes is a nationally-recognized, nonpartisan, student-led voting initiative.  Overseen by the Harward Center for Community Partnerships, it is designed to reach all eligible Bates students to make them aware of their right to vote and to support them in the process of exercising that right.  

Every year, Bates Votes students undertake a massive outreach campaign to their fellow students–reaching out to clubs, athletic teams, residence halls, classes, and groups of friends to organize voter registration opportunities and support students through the voting process. The unique part about Bates Votes is a commitment to sharing nonpartisan information and resources to support students voting in local, state, and national elections in Maine or in their home state. Bates Votes doesn’t tell students how to vote, or where to vote, but we strongly encourage you to exercise the sacred responsibility to make your voice heard through your vote.

Voter Registration at Bates

Election Day Voting in Maine

The Election Connection – 2024 Programs

Bates staff at the polls
Bates students tabling
Bates students tabling
Election Day Marcus Delpeche '17 of Wilmington, Del., and the Bates Bobcat encourage members of the Bates community to vote today. Inside Commons, students distributed information about six statewide ballot initiatives and recorded the number of students who had voted in today's election.
Bates students tabling
Bates Votes athlete engagement
First-time student voters
Professors to the Polls
Voting
Voting display
Vote Table
NVRD
President Clayton Spencer escorts a group of Bates students to the polls on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 6..In an effort spearheaded by Bates Democrats, Bates Republicans, and the Harward Center for Community Partnerships, Bates students led a bipartisan effort to get out the vote. Volunteers led walking groups from Commons on the hour and every 15 minutes during peak times to the Lewiston Armory on Central Avenue.Student IDs:In red jacket, Maya SeshanIn blue jacket with blue jeans, Ella WesterfieldIn maroon pants, Elise GrossfeldIn glasses, long blondish hair, tied VOTE shirt and bean boots, Maya ChessenOn scooter, Michael RatzimbazfyStudent in blue hood, Harkirat Lally Student in aqua blue jacket, Elektra Smicka
In an effort spearheaded by Bates Democrats, Bates Republicans, and the Harward Center for Community Partnerships, Bates students led a bipartisan effort to get out the vote. Volunteers led walking groups from Commons on the hour and every 15 minutes during peak times to the Lewiston Armory on Central Avenue.In red blazer, Maya Seshan '20 , president of Bates Democrats, of Wilton, Conn.
Faculty Event
Election Day
Election Day