The University of Illinois Springfield has been named a Voter Friendly Campus for 2025-26 by the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. This marks the third time UIS has earned the designation.

UIS is one of 272 campuses in 39 states and the District of Columbia to receive the honor, which recognizes institutions that have implemented practices encouraging students to register and vote. The initiative aims to help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process—not only during federal election years, but year-round.

“This designation reflects UIS’ continued commitment to civic engagement and empowering students to make their voices heard,” said Jill Hawkins, UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center program director. “Our students are deeply engaged in issues that affect their communities and the nation, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the tools and support to participate in the democratic process.”

To earn the Voter Friendly Campus designation, UIS developed and submitted a campus action plan to promote voter registration, education and turnout in 2024. The university was evaluated on its planning, implementation and analysis of voter engagement efforts.

As part of its initiative, UIS hosted voter registration drives, educational events and election day shuttles to the polls. The university also partnered with student organizations and community groups to raise awareness and provide resources ahead of key local and national elections.

The Voter Friendly Campus designation is awarded to a wide range of two-year, four-year, public, private, rural and urban institutions serving more than four million students nationwide.