This November is an important time for the United States of America because of the election for the new president. This year the election has been noted by both parties to be one of the most important elections in history. 

To help in this confusing time SMSU offered a program to guide students on how to have their voice heard. The program was headed by Melissa Scholten who has been a part of this program since its creation in 2020 for that election. 

Mustang Vote is a voting initiative supporting students to take a deeper dive when it comes to voting for both national and local elections. 

“Many of our students are voting for the first time and it is important for them to be able to ask questions about their options. Students can also choose to vote in the home precincts or where they attend school, so they also have some options” said Scholten when asked why having Mustang Vote available for students is important. 

With help from two nonpartisan students; Ashton Ayres and Mary Newton; who are just as passionate about getting students to vote as Scholten. After the election is over their work is still not done.  

“During off years, like 2023, the Center for Civic & Community Engagement celebrated the civic holidays (National Voter Registration Day, National Voter Education Week, and Vote Early Day) with tabling and fliers, but less tabling in between.” said Scholten when asked what Mustang Vote does on the off years. This allows students to always be learning about their options even if there are no elections currently happening.  

Mustang Vote will be helping with future elections. They are always willing to answer questions.