Left-wing Groups Open Campaign Office at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan's open lawn, known as "the Diag," has become a hub for political activism, particularly as the new academic year begins. Among the prominent fixtures is a table run by the super PAC NextGen America, where activists engage students in voter registration efforts, incentivizing participation with Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets. This initiative comes in the wake of last year's politically charged atmosphere, marked by anti-Israel protests and a lack of university support for certain encampments advocating for Palestine. As the influx of new students arrives in Ann Arbor, progressive voter registration groups are capitalizing on the opportunity to mobilize potential voters in this battleground state. Graduate student Alaina Smith noted that she frequently encounters these groups on the Diag, enhancing her sense of being an informed voter. Registration agents, such as those from Forward Majority, are actively collecting completed voter registration forms to submit to local clerks, emphasizing the importance of engaging students in the electoral process. Washtenaw County Clerk Lawrence Kestenbaum highlighted the legality of these partisan voter registration efforts under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. He explained that out-of-state students can easily register to vote in Michigan if they are residing in the area. Given Ann Arbor's Democratic-leaning demographics, increasing voter turnout is crucial for the Democratic Party's strategy in the state. Forward Majority remains optimistic that their aggressive voter registration campaigns will play a pivotal role in securing victories in upcoming tight races, reflecting the broader trend of political engagement among students.