MACON, Ga. — Mercer University’s Sophia Hall, Class of 2026, was selected to be included on the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge’s (ALL IN) 2026 Student Voting Honor Roll. This year’s honor roll includes 168 students from across the country.
Campuses participating in ALL IN each nominate one student to be recognized on the Student Voting Honor Roll for their efforts in helping to institutionalize nonpartisan democratic engagement and increase college student voter participation.
Hall, from Spring Hill, Tennessee, was a political science, global development studies and media studies triple-major. She was a member of Mercer Votes, a nonpartisan coalition that advances the University’s voter registration, education and turnout efforts. The initiative began as Mobilize Mercer, a student organization, in 2016 and transitioned to Mercer Votes in 2021 to bring together campus and community partners.
“Working for Mercer Votes was one of the best parts of my college experience,” said Hall. “It is so important that every student has the resources and information they need to participate in elections. I learned so much through making infographics, tabling and organizing events, panels and watch-parties, and I hope Mercer Votes has helped students feel more empowered to use their voice in elections on all levels.”
During her junior and senior years, Hall was instrumental in strengthening Mercer Votes’ outreach, visibility and student impact. Among her efforts, she oversaw the coalition’s social media presence and led a brand redesign.
“Her work has elevated Mercer Votes from a set of programs into a recognizable, trusted and student-centered civic initiative,” said Lauren Shinholster, associate director of engaged learning and co-leader of Mercer Votes. “Beyond her technical skills, Sophia brought a deep sense of purpose and professionalism to her role. She understands that a strong democracy depends on informed, empowered students, and her leadership made that belief visible, accessible and actionable across campus.”
Margaret Rooyakkers, assistant director of service and civic engagement, worked closely with Hall for more than two years, primarily through Mercer Votes.
“I have seen firsthand (Hall’s) creativity, leadership and unwavering commitment to student civic engagement,” said Rooyakkers. “Sophia’s work with Mercer Votes will leave a lasting legacy on our campus. From her creative designs and strategic marketing to voter education materials, stickers and signature engagement initiatives, like Registration and Ramen, her vision has helped make civic participation more visible, welcoming and student-centered.”
At Mercer, in addition to serving as the communications director for Mercer Votes, Hall was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society, the Student Leadership Team for Mercer Admissions and vice president of Mercer Young Democrats.
“To my mind, a student who embodies the ethos of Mercer is someone who is intellectually curious, who thrives in a liberal arts environment and who takes the lessons of the classroom and uses them to improve the world,” said Dr. Benjamin Hoyt, assistant professor of political science. “You could not offer a better description of Sophia Hall. She is a credit to Mercer and truly deserving of recognition in the ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll.”
Hall said she is applying to graduate programs to continue studying how outreach, advocacy and political participation can impact individuals and communities. She is the second Mercer student recognized in the ALL IN Honor Roll. Atia Bailey was recognized in 2024.
About ALL IN
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) is a national awards program. By recognizing colleges and universities for their commitment to increasing student voting rates, ALL IN encourages higher education institutions to help students form the habits of active and informed citizenship, make democratic participation a core value on their campus, and cultivate generations of engaged citizens who are essential to a healthy democracy.
