Make your voice heard! Early voting has officially started, and Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is helping students and the San Antonio community get ready to make their voices count.
This year, OLLU partnered with Bexar County to promote voter registration, civic education and student engagement through its Voter Registration and Early Voting Initiative. Led by the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism, the campaign connects students with the resources, information and support they need to participate confidently in the democratic process.
The initiative kicked off in August with registration opportunities during residence hall move-in, the Saints Organization Fair and Community Hour. Additional outreach tied to National Voter Registration Day, Constitution Day and Service Saturday helped encourage participation, with support from community partners including the League of Women Voters and West End Hope in Action.
Through collaboration with Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez’s office, OLLU strengthened its efforts to provide voter registration materials, educational resources and engaging activities that encourage students to get involved.
As an early voting site, OLLU also offers a convenient, familiar location for students, employees and West Side residents to cast their ballots. The university recognizes that busy schedules, unfamiliarity with voting procedures and questions about polling locations can create barriers, so its outreach focuses on making the process more accessible and understandable.
“At OLLU, we believe higher education is about more than preparing students for a career. It’s also about preparing them to become informed, engaged citizens who can positively impact their communities,” said Clarissa Vega, director of Strategic Initiatives and Government Affairs.
Voting is about more than choosing elected officials. Ballot measures and local bond proposals can directly affect public safety, community resources and everyday life.
Now is the time to make a plan, learn about the ballot and get ready to vote!
Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Make it count!