By Tamia R. Johnson
The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (LUPA) College Democrats implemented a 3-Point Plan aiming to engage students in the 2024 Presidential Election by breaking voting stigmas, providing crucial election information, and ensuring students were registered and ready to vote. Dedicated to political awareness and engagement, the student-led organization has a mission to educate and organize the campus community while playing a helpful role in the movement for justice. They seek social change which extends democracy into all aspects of life – social, political, and economic. Here’s how their semester went:
Point 1: Breaking Voting Stigma
One of the key initiatives of The LUPA College Democrats was addressing the barriers that prevent students from participating in elections. Through interactive discussions and events, they provided a platform for students to express their concerns and misconceptions about voting.
One notable event, “Break-A-Plate: Breaking Voting Stigmas” allowed participants to engage in open discussion about political stigmas, including voting skepticism and distrust in government systems. Attendees had the opportunity to write their stigmas on a glass plate and hear different perspectives from peers. At the end of the discussion, students broke the plates symbolizing the breaking of political misconceptions and embracing new perspectives.
Point 2: Informational Events
The LUPA College Democrats also focused on educating students about the candidates and their policies. “Changing the Narrative” was a pivotal event aimed at fostering an unbiased conversation between students about the Democratic and Republican parties. Attendees learned about each party’s proposed policies and the potential impact on their communities. The event provided a welcoming space to encourage open dialogue and critical thinking about the election.
In addition to the discussions, the organization hosted President and Vice President Debate Watch Parties. These events gave students the opportunity to directly compare the policy differences between the Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance campaigns. This provided them with the necessary insight to make their decisions on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5th 2024).
Point 3: Registering & Voting
Understanding the importance of voter registration, The LUPA College Democrats organized multiple initiatives to ensure students were registered and ready to cast their ballots. The “I’m NOT Registered to Vote” event was a week-long effort where members of the organization
stationed themselves in residence hall lobbies to assist students with voter registration. By rotating dorm locations daily, they maximized student accessibility and participation.
On Election Day, the organization hosted “Souls to the Polls: Election Day Block Party & March” to energize and mobilize student voters. The block party included incentives such as voter vans to transport students to polling places, an obstacle course, custom-made street signs, a pep rally, and food vouchers for La Bistro Taco Food Truck. The march, in collaboration with the student organizations in the LUPA Voter Coalition , brought the campus community together in a powerful demonstration of civic engagement as they marched from the Top of the U to the polling station at the ICC.
Election Day Success
The impact of these efforts was evident on Election Day as over 800 Lincoln University students came out to vote. Through collective action and determination, The LUPA College Democrats successfully fostered a politically engaged campus and proved that young voters have the power to shape the future. Despite the election’s outcome, The LUPA College Democrats’ 3-Point Plan encouraged political participation and strengthened the culture of democracy at Lincoln University of PA. Their efforts serve as a model for student-led activism demonstrating the power of education, engagement, and unity in establishing meaningful change.
2024-2025 LUPA College Democrats Executive Board: President: Tamia R. Johnson ‘25
Vice President: Taylor-Monet Brice ‘25
Community Outreach Director: Drake Smith ‘25 Secretary: Zahna Stribling ‘25
Social Media Chair: Jonathan Joseph ‘26 Sophomore Class Representative: Jalen Marshall ‘27 Junior Class Representative: Kaila Davis ‘26
Senior Class Representative: MaKenzie Hanks ‘25 Advisor: Ms. Jacqueline Caleb
