Centenary University placed first in the nation among colleges and universities who participated in Ballot Bowl, a nonpartisan initiative promoting voter registration and engagement across college campuses.

More Centenary students expressed their intention to vote than those on the other 177 participating colleges, including 29 in New Jersey. These students were recognized in a ceremony the day after election day.

“This honor showcases the power small universities like Centenary can have in effecting change,” said Kathleen Greco, who coordinates the University’s community engagement. “Rather than debating specific issues or candidates, this was more about letting everyone know that they have a responsibility to become part of our nation’s collective voice through their vote. Democracy is about participation and being part of the conversation, whether your candidate wins or loses.”

Kerry Mullins, vice president for student life and dean of students, noted that Centenary students and other young adults have become more engaged in the election process in recent years. In fact, voters under 30 turned out to participate in the 2022 midterm elections in near record numbers: NPR and other news outlets have reported the midterm turnout of young voters was the second highest it’s been in three decades, outpaced only by the 2018 midterm elections.