Leah Ingram, program director of social impact and communications at the University of St. Thomas Center for the Common Good, spoke with WCCO-TV about student voter engagement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Ingram discussed growing interest in voting among students who have not previously participated in elections, while St. Thomas students shared their perspectives on the issues motivating them to cast their ballots, including immigration, health care and affordability.
From the story:
“I think this year there’s more curiosity from folks that maybe wouldn’t have voted or registered in the past,” Ingram said. “It’s like, ‘No, I haven’t voted, but I want to, I want to learn how.’”
And at the event, there were a lot of students who wanted to vote. Student organizer Alaijah Martin says this isn’t about parties – it’s about participation.
“It’s not really about who you’re voting for, it’s just that you’re voting, you’re using your right, you are being engaged with your community, that you are seeing that this is something important,” Martin said.
