Several students huddled together in one of BYU’s political science classes.  Each had a passion for politics. Each wanted others to feel the power and excitement that comes from being politically involved. Collyn Mosquito gathered friends and founded The Provo Student Project.

Tyler Kivley, the public relations chair of The Provo Student Project, says he was invited by a friend to join the project, but his motivations to join ran deeper than that: “I joined because I want other students to understand the role they have and the actual power they have to influence what goes on in their communities, state, and nation. I am politically active because I choose to be a part of the force of progress and development. I vote because it is a right and duty that I have. I sincerely believe it makes a difference.”

The Provo Student Project recognizes that being politically involved is a civic duty. The right to vote has been protected by the voice, action, and blood of thousands throughout history.  It is working to spread the word about the importance of voting through several campaigns for students. They are:

#IVoteBecause

A social media campaign. #IVoteBecause encourages people to post why they voted, or why they will vote.  So take that selfie and hashtag it!

Video

The Provo Student Project created a video with students on campus about voting. Check out their Facebook page soon for the video. Watch for another video coming out this weekend!

Get Out the Vote Canvassing

Gather at Joaquin Park at 10 a.m. on October 15 to plaster the neighborhood with flyers and talk to passersby about voting. It might be a good idea to bring a car, as you will divide and conquer. Expect to be out for a couple of hours (depending on how fast you can canvas, of course).

Chalking Up the Vote

Chalk up the sidewalks to remind people to get out and vote. Meet at Joaquin Park at 10 a.m.

How Does Voting Benefit You?

All this being said, it is important to talk about reasons for voting beyond civic duty, although that is important. In his recent  BYU devotional address, Elder Dallin H. Oakes recently encouraged all to vote:  “As the First Presidency always reminds us, we have the responsibility to become informed about the issues and candidates and to independently exercise our right to vote. Voters, remember, this applies to candidates for the many important local and state offices, as well as the contested presidential election.” Beyond that, voting encourages us to think seriously about the issues that affect us, which all issues do in some way ultimately, and perhaps how we can affect change if we are dissatisfied with their effect on us.

Check out their Facebook page for more information or email them at contactus@provostudentproject.com.