Nonpartisan Student Organization Encourages Students to Make Their Voices Heard

By AJ Nagy ’27

AJ Nagy ‘27, an English and Music Performance double major at Otterbein University, recently had the opportunity to interview Sociology major Jaylyn Stillwell ’27 about his work with Raise Your Voice, Otterbein’s nonpartisan, student-run voter engagement organization.

In the following Q&A, Stillwell discusses his experience as a Democracy Fellow, the importance of nonpartisan voter education, and how Otterbein students can make a difference through civic engagement.

AJ Nagy: How long have you been in Raise Your Voice? What positions have you occupied, and which activities have you done with the group?

Jaylyn Stillwell: I started with Raise Your Voice, and being a Democracy Fellow, this semester. So far, we have done several events regarding spreading information about voting, and overall building motivation for students to get out and vote.

Nagy: How did you hear about RYV, and why did you decide to join?

Stillwell: Throughout my four years at Otterbein, I recognized the great work that Raise Your Voice spent on spreading voting awareness. This was mainly through tabling and through email. I decided to join RYV as a Democracy Fellow because I truly believe that every person should utilize their right to vote in our society. I was passionate about being someone that could either motivate people or share correct and necessary information that might not have been available. 

Nagy: How have your experiences in RYV benefited you professionally? What skills have you learned?

Stillwell: My experiences serving in RYV benefits my professional life by acting as a natural confidence booster. If we are to spread good and factual information, then of course it is an expectation that we will have to talk to people. Not only that, but it has helped me build relationships with people that I might not have before, which is also important for a professional environment and a key skill to have.

Nagy: What is the importance of a nonpartisan group that advocates for voters on a college campus? How is this important to the culture at Otterbein?

Stillwell: Most, if not all, students who are going to Otterbein have a lot on their plate. Whether it be schoolwork, juggling family, or even juggling personal relationships. As things pile on, thinking or making time to do something like voting can be very difficult. Not only that, but it could also possibly become a non-priority. It is important for a group like RYV because it serves as a motivator and reminder. It serves as the reminder that we, as citizens, have the ability to make change and be the voice that makes a difference. 

It remains an important aspect of Otterbein’s culture, because every Otterbein student is important and has a voice to use. It is not only paramount, but students of Otterbein deserve to be reminded that they should be afraid to make a positive difference if need be. 

Nagy: What do you hope students can learn from RYV’s work?

Stillwell: I personally hope that through seeing the work that we do, students can take what they learn and pass it along to their friends and networks. All the information that we share should be known by every student; we simply work to make that information equitable. 

Nagy: Describe your job as a Democracy Fellow. What were your responsibilities, and how do you think this work has impacted your community?

Stillwell: Just like the rest of my peers in RYV, we all share the responsibility of making voting information equitable and serving as a reminder that every student has a voice. I would say that this work has made a significant positive impact on our Otterbein community.

Nagy: Presidential elections are usually seen as the “most important,” but what is the importance of midterm elections?

Stillwell: Presidential elections garner a lot of attention because they serve as an indicator on the temperature of the United States and also steer a path for the U.S. to go on. However, the midterms are equally as important. For citizens of the U.S., this is a chance to make your voice known and make it clear to our nation what is right and what is wrong. As citizens, we all have opinions on the health of the country we live in. For better or for worse, we have to express that opinion in the polls to be the change that we want to see.

Nagy: Outside of going to the polls, how can students help make their community better? How does RYV demonstrate this?

Stillwell: We want students to motivate and help educate on the importance of civic responsibility. Not only that, but we want students to also encourage each other and let others know that their voice is important and should be used. RYV attempts to demonstrate this by serving as a base of information. We make an effort to erase any barriers of access and provide reasoning and motivation for civic participation.

Nagy: Is there anything else you would like to mention?

Stillwell: I have said it time and time again, but it is so important for Otterbein students to know that they matter and have a voice that is important and should be heard by everyone around them. Right now, this is a time to use that voice and create positive change that can be felt by everyone around them. Students should know that they should unapologetically hold their beliefs on their sleeve and be proud to make a difference in their communities. Also, most importantly, do not forget to vote on Nov. 3!