If you aren’t registered to vote, you can sign up at two upcoming events sponsored by the UTM Student Government Association.
A voter registration tailgate event will be held from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Hardy M. Graham Stadium. The event coincides with UTM’s Family Weekend Tailgate Party, which includes the Skyhawk football home opener with Samford University at 6 p.m.
The second registration event is planned for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, during SGA’s Constitution Day celebration in the University Center.
“As students, we understand that voting is our civic duty, and we want to be able to give the entire Skyhawk nation the opportunity to get registered to vote,” said Mireya Carrion, SGA secretary general and the student coordinator of the voter registration tailgate.
“One of the biggest goals I have for this event is that students, family members, and Skyhawk fans take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about getting registered to vote, ask any questions they have about the process, and come out and get registered,” Carrion said.
The tailgate is co-sponsored by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office and supports National Voter Registration Month in September. Elections for local and statewide office are happening in 2022, and last year Tennesseans broke voter turnout and participation records.
“We are pumped to work with UT Martin student leaders to build momentum around voting,” said Tre Hargett, Tennessee secretary of state. “The Voter Registration Tailgate is an excellent opportunity for all Skyhawk fans to take advantage of how easy it is to register to vote in Tennessee, so they are ready to make their voice heard on Election Day. We are grateful to Dr. (Keith) Carver (UT Martin chancellor) and the entire Skyhawk Nation for welcoming us.”
UTM is one of nine Division I public universities across Tennessee that will hold voter registration events this fall. Tennessee Tech and East Tennessee State join UTM in hosting their voter registration tailgate events on Sept. 11; UT Knoxville and Tennessee State events are planned for Sept. 18; the University of Memphis will hold its event on Sept. 25; and UT Chattanooga, Middle Tennessee State and Austin Peay State will hold their tailgates on Oct. 2.
At each tailgate, students and football fans will be guided through the registration process in minutes using the Secretary of State’s secure online voter registration system. They will also be able to get their questions about Tennessee’s voting process answered by local election officials.
“Like most Tennesseans, we love college football and the excitement of game day,” Hargett said. “These Voter Registration Tailgates are the perfect opportunity for us to show students and fans how easy it is to register to vote in Tennessee so that they can get in the game and make their voice heard on Election Day.”
Tennessee voters can also visit GoVoteTn.gov or call the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections at 1-877-850-4959 for more information.
