HARRISBURG, PA — Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt has been honored as the “Standout Secretary of State” by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, a national initiative focused on encouraging civic participation among college students.
“Helping to ensure our youngest eligible voters get registered and make their voices heard through voting – the most fundamental right in our representative democracy – is of critical importance,” said Schmidt in response to the accolade. “I’m humbled by this recognition and committed to continuing efforts to make every voter a lifelong voter.”
Since its inception in 2020, Pennsylvania’s Campus Voting Challenge, a nonpartisan collaboration with the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, has been a key driver in enhancing student voter engagement. The program recognizes four-year colleges and community colleges for achievements such as highest voter turnout, most improved turnout, and highest voter registration rates among students. Over 75 institutions across Pennsylvania, representing more than 480,000 students, actively participate in the initiative.
Schmidt has been a longstanding advocate of the program and played a central role in relaunching the Campus Voting Challenge last summer in preparation for the 2024 presidential election. The initiative has significantly contributed to civic awareness, with Pennsylvania reporting record-high voter turnout during the most recent General Election.
“Elections matter, and with 100,000 local elections happening across the country in 2025, ALL IN campuses continue to ensure that every student has the information they need to cast their ballot,” said Jen Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, underscoring the importance of nonpartisan efforts to engage young voters.
This recognition highlights Pennsylvania’s leadership in fostering campus civic engagement and underscores the impact of Schmidt’s efforts to promote lifelong voter participation among students statewide.
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