Secretary Fontes Recognizes Local Colleges for Voter Engagement in 2022 Midterms
Mesa, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale Community Colleges Acknowledged Alongside
ASU and NAU For Excellence in Student Voter Registration and Turnout
PHOENIX – As part of the ongoing commitment to promote democracy, the Arizona Secretary of State’s office today recognizes five state and community colleges for their exemplary efforts in boosting student voter engagement during the 2022 midterm elections.
“I commend ASU, NAU, and our community colleges for setting a high benchmark in student civic engagement. Their dedication prepares us for the 2024 elections, and also strengthens Arizona’s civic faith for years to come,” said Secretary Fontes.
| Award Category | 4-Year Institutions | Community Colleges |
| Highest Voting Rate | Arizona State University - 35.1% | Scottsdale Community College - 39.1% |
| Highest Voter Registration Rate | Northern Arizona University - 75.3% | Mesa Community College - 72.8% |
| Most Improved Turnout Rate |
No campus had a positive turnout increase from 2018 to 2022, only 10% of 1,200 campuses participating improved turnout. |
Paradise Valley Community College - 2.7 % |
National Recognition:
Paradise Valley Community College - Won Best in Class Award for Most Improved Voting Rate at a Hispanic-Serving Institution
The average 2022 institutional voting rate was 30.6% and the 2022 national student voter registration rate was 76.1%. This initiative uses data from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) at Tufts University to highlight institutions that achieve remarkable student engagement during elections. Through the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, all of these institutions for higher demonstrated significant nonpartisan efforts to mobilize student voters.
These awards also serve as a benchmark for the ongoing efforts to ensure that nonpartisan democratic engagement remains a cornerstone of higher education across Arizona. The Secretary of State’s office is a participating partner in the 2024 Arizona Campus Voting Challenge.