Secretary of State Denise Merrill Visits Voter Registration Drive

Brendan W. Clark ’21

Managing Editor

Trinity College’s ConnPIRG chapter organized a voter registration drive last Tuesday, Sept. 24 during common hour. The drive, which was held on National Voter Registration Day, aimed to encourage voter participation and  remind students of the importance of civic participation.

Secretary of State Denise Merrill made a visit to the drive, discussing voting with students. ConnPIRG’s press release emphasized that “young people make up the largest and most diverse group of potential voters in the country. But the youth voice is unheard because young people don’t vote in high enough numbers.” 

Trinity College’s ConnPIRG New Voter’s Project Campaign Coordinator added that “in 2018, only 31% of eligible voters (18-29 years old) cast a ballot, compared to an average of 50% for the entire population of voters.”   

ConnPIRG’s event sought to encourage students to register in Hartford for future elections. National Voter Registration Day,  established in 2012 “encourages organizations, businesses, and election officials to host voter registration drives and spread awareness about the importance of being registered to vote.” Merrill added that “we have focused all these years on the youth vote-because the youth vote is the new vote.” White emphasized that “we’re excited to continue our work with the community.”