The fall election season may be over, but that doesn’t mean Paws to the Polls (PTTP) slows down. Missouri State University’s student civics organization continued its education and outreach activities throughout the Spring 2025 semester.

After enjoying a team building activity of “Kahoot” trivia in late January, the group got back to work in February, said Dr. Suzanne Walker-Pacheco, professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology and PTTP’s faculty advisor.

First, PTTP members attended a Grupo Latinoamericano information meeting on Feb. 15, where they provided voter information. Later that month, seven members visited four local high schools to continue their voter registration drive. PTTP partners on this event every semester with the League of Women Voters.

Also in February, the group updated its five-year report and sponsored its first Paws to the Polls sticker contest. Students submitted artwork for stickers that Paws members could give away during events.

“The sticker contest was designed to engage students and to encourage voting by giving away stickers at our events,” Walker-Pacheco said.

Spring voting fair a success

An estimated 380 visitors joined PTTP for the Spring 2025 Voting Fair held March 5 in the Plaster Student Union. At the fair, students accessed voting information, tried out voting machines, met Springfield’s mayor, visited campus and community organizations and enjoyed prizes and free food.

Campus organizations, such as the Office of Public Affairs Support, Student Government Association, Student Activity Council, and Peace Corps Prep participated in the event. PTTP’s own mascot, “The Bill,” visited with students and posed for selfies.

The fair hosted several local community organizations as well. These included the League of Women Voters, Informed Voter Coalition, Isabel’s House, PROMO, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Springfield Tenants Unite, Jobs with Justice, Empower Abilities and Harmony House. Pickleman’s Deli provided free cookies and branded items.

In addition, local political officials were present. The Greene County Clerk’s office brought voting machines for fair goers to practice on, registered voters and provided information to the campus community. Springfield’s mayor was also present, interacting with campus and community members and posing for selfies.

“Stamp cards” encourage civic engagement

Students attending the voting fair each received a stamp card. They filled out these cards while participating in fair activities, such as visiting with the community organizations, speaking with the county clerk, getting their pictures taken with the mayor or with “The Bill,” PTTP’s mascot.

“They bring their stamp cards to us for prizes,” Walker-Pacheco said. “This encourages interactions during the fair and has worked really well.”

Engaging in local politics a rewarding experience

PTTP produced its third municipal election voter guide in March in preparation for the April elections. The group emailed an electronic version of the guide to a wide audience and distributed printed copies on campus and to local libraries and businesses. The League of Women Voters, the NAACP and Leadership Springfield assisted with printing costs.

The Paws team also hosted two candidate panels for the April local election. While they held the school board panel event late March, they collaborated with Neighborhood Advisory Council for the city council and mayor panel in early April.

Meanwhile, Paws president, Grace Wasson, and Missouri State alumnus Zion Stevens participated in a panel discussion for the Missouri Humanities Council on April 5 as part of their “Ozarks Engaged: Citizenry and the Future of Our Communities” series.

Finally, several Paws members worked at information tables during the April 8 municipal election. They enjoyed watching democratic engagement in action but were disappointed that voter turnout was estimated at around 13%, according to Walker-Pacheco.

As a reward for their efforts, the Paws team wrapped up the 2024-25 year with their annual trip to Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City, on April 16.

Learn more about Paws to the Polls

Photo credits: Oliver Hart except where otherwise mentioned.