MACON, Ga. — Mercer University is one of 233 campuses to earn the 2026 Highly Established Action Plan seal for the 2026 election cycle from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The seal recognizes higher education institutions with strong action plans to increase nonpartisan civic engagement by promoting civic learning and college student voter participation.
“Grounded in the belief that ‘at Mercer, everyone majors in changing the world,’ the action plan explores opportunities to broaden the focus of Mercer Votes and look beyond residential undergraduate students to encompass voter engagement across Mercer’s comprehensive institution,” said Lauren Shinholster, director of engaged learning.
According to Shinholster, Mercer’s 2025-2027 action plan is organized around four guiding considerations:
- Advancing full student-voter participation
- Increasing faculty and staff engagement
- Leveraging success to expand impact
- Deepening Mercer’s understanding of its civic landscape
Mercer Votes is the University’s overarching program supporting nonpartisan voter engagement, and a number of initiatives under it work together to educate students, said Shinholster. Mercer Votes is led by Shinholster; Margaret Rooyakkers, assistant director of service and civic engagement; and Mercer Votes Democracy Fellows.
Mercer Votes representatives can be found on campus providing nonpartisan voter engagement information during Mercer events like Opening Days, Bearstock and Be a Good NeighBear and during civic holidays like National Voter Registration Day, Vote Early Day and Election Hero Day. The organization also coordinates debate watch parties, election night parties and guest speaker events.
“The goal is for students to see the University’s emphasis on civic engagement from day one of their Mercer experience,” said Shinholster.
This election cycle, Mercer Votes is expanding access to civic engagement through its Voting Champions program, an initiative supported by the Ask Every Student Implementation Grant. Voting Champions are faculty and staff who share nonpartisan voting information, connect students with resources, and help foster a campus culture of civic participation. The grant will also be used to hire Mercer Votes Ambassadors, a paid student employment opportunity.
