Campus was buzzing as scores of Williams students joined the 2 million Americans across the nation who registered to vote or updated their status on National Voter Registration Day. Two weeks later, on Oct. 1, students filled the seats in the Paresky Center’s Baxter Great Hall, where they huddled with friends and snacks to watch the 2024 Vice Presidential debate in real time. 

These are just two examples of the myriad voting-themed programs and events taking place on campus during the fall semester. And most were organized by or held in collaboration with EphVotes, a nonpartisan, student-run group that encourages students of all stripes and political leanings to participate in voting and civic engagement.

The group currently has about 60 volunteers. Additional support is supplied by the college’s Chaplain’s Office, Center for Learning in Action, political science department and Rice Center for Teaching.

“EphVotes’ tabling and other outreach work, such as providing state-by-state registration support and reminders, has been a huge help to their fellow students,” says Paula Consolini, the Adam Falk Director of the Center for Learning in Action, whose office provides the group with funding as well as strategic and logistical assistance. 

Lena Kerest ’25, president of EphVotes, says college students are often keen to make a difference in the world. She sees her role as a catalyst for making that happen. “The impact of college students on elections really can’t be understated,” she says. “Young people are among the most underutilized voting bloc in the United States, so they have huge potential to swing elections.”

With support from campus partners, Kerest and EphVotes Vice President Jessica Kim ’27 have scheduled a speaker series leading up to the presidential election in November and beyond.

Participants include Carrie N. Baker, American studies professor and chair of the Program for the Study of Women and Gender at Smith College, who is to give an online talk titled “2024 Elections: An Existential Moment For Women’s Rights.”  Geoff Kabaservice, vice president of political studies at the Niskanen Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, is to discuss “What’s Up with the Republican Party? A Historian’s View.” And Anand Giridharadas, an internationally bestselling author and a notable voice on democracy, is to discuss overcoming division and how humans make, resist and grapple with change. 

Outside of national election cycles, EphVotes has held forums about the Williamstown Select Board and local issues. 

“We’re still reaching an audience, whether that be students or Williamstown community members,” Kerest says. “Our goal is to answer as many questions as possible and streamline the voting process.”

Last summer Kim worked for the Massachusetts State House, where she became more attuned to the significance that state and local politics have on people’s daily lives. “The presidential election is important,” she says, “but we want to also emphasize the importance of down-ballot voting,” where voters can have a big impact on future national elections by choosing candidates in lower profile positions.

Adds Kerest, “Local elections aren’t discussed as often, but they’re so important. When you’re away at school, you’re kind of transient, so it’s hard to understand the impact that those elections might have on your community.”

Top photo of National Voter Registration Day on campus by Jessica Kim ’27. For more information and a listing of activities this semester, visit EphVotes’ web page.