As the fall semester coincides with an election year, WNE is taking a proactive role in supporting both its students and the broader community in the democratic process. To address these issues, WNE School of Law’s Institute for Legislative and Governmental Affairs is leading a "Participatory Democracy" campaign, which centers on education around citizenship, voting rights, and civic engagement. This series of events reflects WNE’s deep commitment to encouraging informed participation in democracy and offering practical resources to help citizens navigate the electoral process.
The Participatory Democracy campaign launched on September 16 with a naturalization ceremony in the School of Law’s Moot Court, where 48 new U.S. citizens from 27 countries took the Oath of Allegiance. Following the event, WNE’s School of Law Student Bar Association assisted these new citizens with voter registration, further reinforcing WNE’s dedication to civic engagement.
“Voting is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy. It is not just a privilege, but a powerful tool for shaping the future of our communities and our country,” said Julie E. Steiner, Professor of Law and Director of the WNE Law Institute for Legislative and Government Affairs. “By participating, we each have the chance to make our leaders heard, hold them accountable, and ensure that the principles of justice, equality, and freedom are upheld for all.”
Upcoming campaign events include:
Lunch and Learn: Know Your Voting Rights
Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Despite the fundamental right to vote for every American citizen, voting equity is not always guaranteed due to challenges like confusing and restrictive voting laws and misinformation. In collaboration with the Massachusetts Senior Action Council and the Pioneer Valley Project, this session will provide essential information on voting rights.
Election Protection: Public Training Session on Voting Observation
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 6:00–8:00 PM
This public session will train community members to serve as impartial election observers, ensuring fairness and transparency in the voting process.
Both events are free and open to the public.
