California university and college ballot bowl is set to end in almost a month on Nov 8. The ballot bowl is a friendly competition that is held between high education universities and colleges that encourages students to vote to showcase the civic engagement efforts of the school.

“Voting is crucial for students because it not only allows them to express their views on important issues but also sets a foundation for lifelong civic participation” Elise Miller director of legislative affairs for Bakersfield College Student Government association said.

The ballot bowl encourages students to push to help their campus win the state title. 116+ community colleges, 23 CSU’s, 10 UC’s along with 80+AICCU’s across America are eligible to participate. The California Secretary of state students tracks college student votes from online voter registration along with paper voter registrations. It is encouraged as a student voter to go to castudentvote.org for more information on how to include your school in your voting process.

Winners are divided up into three different categories to showcase the school’s commitment to civic engagement and student votes. The first category being number of students registered to vote to which Bakersfield College had won in 2022, second being percentage of student body registered to vote and lastly civic and voter empowerment action plan score. The overall championship is given to the school who has rounded up the highest number in all categories.

“Engaging in the electoral process helps cultivate informed citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities.” Miller added.

The overall aspect of the ballot bowl is to get students to understand their right and the privilege they must vote while also adding some friendly competition to fuel the fire. Students can check the progress of their school by visiting the ballot bowl official website.

It is highly encouraged that club around campus to promote the ballot bowl with flyers or even campus events to increase engagement. If students, see a voter registration table around campus it is encouraged to register and vote to help not only your country but your school as well.