The goals of the nonpartisan campus voter initiative Paws to the Polls is to increase civic engagement and voter literacy on campus. Birthed during the height of the pandemic in spring of 2020, we’ve already made a difference, working with the Office of Public Affair Support to put Missouri State University on the Washington Monthly’s list of Best Colleges for Student Voting in 2020.

Earlier this semester, a group of Paws to the Polls members traveled to Jefferson City to meet with several legislators about upcoming bills related to voting. We had a very productive and enjoyable time talking with elected officials, and we realize the importance of these connections.

With Representative Betsy Fogle

On April 8, several of us met with Senator Lincoln Hough right in our very own conference room. He took the time to come visit with us on campus to discuss voter-related bills and other issues related to the Missouri legislature. It was a great and meaningful learning experience!

Any student who cares about real-world issues and wants to encourage others to participate in our democracy can e-mail either suzannewalker@missouristate.edu or pawstothepolls@missouristate.edu. We meet every Thursday at 5:30 in our conference room.