Political science senior helps organize National Voter Registration Day event
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As Jesus Rendon-Silva stepped onto Arizona State University’s campus this fall, he knew this school year – which also happens to be an election year – would bring unique opportunities as he took on his new role as director of civic engagement for Undergraduate Student Government (USG).
“Me being (a) first-generation (college student), wanting to hear from activists and politicians, to have that accessibility to hear from both sides, has been something I've been wanting to see at ASU, especially for the Hispanic population that exists, considering our HSI status,” Rendon-Silva said.
According to ASU’s Hispanic Success and Excellence website, 32,696 Hispanic/Latino students enrolled for the fall 2023 semester, and a year earlier, the university was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Rendon-Silva, a philosophy and political science senior, has been heavily involved in the political scene, both on campus, through USG, and off campus — from interning at Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s office in Arizona to getting a coveted White House internship in Washington, D.C. This year, he wanted to make sure his fellow Hispanic students could be part of that as well.
So he joined forces with USG’s Director of Government Affairs Ryan Cantrill to host a panel of local, state-elected officials for a Q&A session with ASU students on Sept. 17, aka National Voter Registration Day.
“We really wanted to expand on student engagement, attracting and wanting to target a large spectrum of voters from both aisles, and with my role and unique Mexican American identity, combined with Ryan and his involvement, we were able to bring this event to reality,” Rendon-Silva said.
Another big plus: “To get people registered to vote on National Voter Registration Day,” he said.
Rendon-Silva moderated the panel, which included Tempe City Councilman Randy Keating, Rep. Deborah Nardozzi, Sen. Ken Bennett and Sen. Anna Hernandez.
“(I saw that there was) a lack of (Latinos) at the table,” Rendon-Silva said. “Being the son of two immigrants, it has brought this new perspective wherever I go, knowing that I am not the only individual who has wanted to be in these capacities, to be in these roles, to bring those possibilities to others.”
The event also kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month, a monthlong celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture.
“There hasn’t been a specific Hispanic Heritage Month voting event ever, so wanting to make that bridge and event in this demographic that hasn’t been historically represented in USG was something that I wanted to tackle, and I’m happy to see this event come to fruition,” Rendon-Silva said.
Missed the event? There’s still time to register ahead of the election.
For information on how to register, visit Sun Devils Vote. The last day to register to vote in the presidential election is Oct. 7, with early voting beginning on Oct. 9, and the general election being held Nov. 5.
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