Wayne State students can apply to serve on the 2022-23 Michigan Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force. The task force was founded by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in 2019 and is open to any student at a Michigan college or university.
The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) will accept applications through Feb. 15 for this nonpartisan group, which aims to improve youth voter engagement.
“One of the most important things citizens of every age can do this year is actively participate in our democracy, and this task force provides an excellent opportunity for our young people to do that,” Benson said. “We look forward to hearing directly from task force members again about ways we can support and empower students at Michigan colleges and universities to fully understand their rights and how to exercise them.”
The task force brings together students from across the state who are passionate about civic engagement. Task force members will serve as liaisons between MDOS, their student body, school administrators and peers.
The group will advise on the unique experiences and barriers to student voters, helping to ensure the voices of young people are heard in Michigan’s elections. The task force will also develop and enact solutions to promote voter engagement and identify resources to implement solutions.
"Wayne State student involvement in voter engagement, and voting, is amongst the best in the country," Wayne State Dean of Students David Strauss said. "I am excited that our Warriors can have the opportunity to bring these ideas to Secretary Benson's task force."
Members are selected to serve for one calendar year, from April 2022 until April 2023.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a college or university in Michigan and demonstrate a commitment to voting and enthusiasm for voter engagement through their past experience, answers to application questions and an interview. A total of 20 to 25 students from around the state will be selected to serve, with no more than two students representing any one school. Students set to graduate during the tenure of the task force will not be considered.
Additional information, as well as an application, can be found at michigan.gov/sosstudenttaskforce. Students can also email secretary@michigan.gov with questions or comments.
Student can also email Strauss at doso@wayne.edu with questions. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15.