Get out the Vote: A Live Conversation

In this year's general election, according to a New York Times analysis, at least three-quarters of American voters will be eligible to receive a ballot in the mail, the highest number in U.S. history. The Rutgers University Alumni Association will host a live conversation with activists who are on the ground promoting civic engagement as an act of self-care and shared responsibility.

Panelists

Shennell McCloud is executive director of Project Ready, which works to close the opportunity gap and improve outcomes for children in Newark, New Jersey. Her work centers on growing the base of local voters, mobilizing the voting base to turn out at local elections, and developing future leaders to improve the city’s schools and its future. McCloud organized the 1,000 Newarkers Vote by Mail campaign to increase turnout and advocated for bills to allow New Jersyans to register to vote online and have expanded access to mail-in ballots. 

Tai Cooper DC’03 is senior vice president for policy and communications at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. She leads the authority’s communications and enhanced engagement strategy, which includes strengthening ties with policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels to drive equitable and inclusive economic development policies and programs.  

Elizabeth Abitanto NCAS'08, SPAA'11 is the managing director of NJ LEEP (Law and Education Empowerment Project). She has managed volunteer initiatives to serve low-income and homeless New Jersey residents.