FAMU students encouraged to vote during election season  – The FAMUAN

A row of voting booths stands at a polling place (Adobe Stock / Vesperstock)

As election season approaches, local election officials are encouraging Florida A&M University students to take an active role in the voting process.  

While local and statewide races are on the ballot, students can prepare by checking their voter registration, researching candidates and issues and learning about voting dates and locations.  

Alexandra Mosca, a public information specialist for the Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office, said students who believe their votes do not matter should consider how close some elections have been in the past.  

“I think it’s important to consider and remember that here in Florida, we had one of the most important elections in our nation decided by a little over 500 votes,” Mosca said.  

 Mosca referenced the 2000 presidential election, which was ultimately decided by votes cast in Florida.  

“Just a handful of people can make a difference when it comes to an election,” Mosca said.  

 Some FAMU students believe voting is an important way for young people to influence decisions that affect their communities. Chloe Ozbun, a student at FAMU, said student participation can make a difference when more people vote.  

 “If the whole campus voted, then it can make a huge difference versus just one of us,” Ozbun said.

Ozbun explained that she would encourage students to vote by starting conversations about election participation and asking whether they had voted. She also encouraged students to make their voices heard.

“It’s important to vote and important to get your voice out there and stand up for what you believe or think is right,” Ozbun said.  

Other students believe voter engagement could improve if students felt more motivated to participate. Shartaya Warren, a junior from Miami, suggested that incentives and recognition programs could help increase student involvement in elections.  

 Warren suggested that students who participate could “get a prize or win something or get recognized.” 

 For students preparing to vote, Mosca stressed the importance of ensuring that their voter registration information is accurate. Many students come to Tallahassee from other parts of Florida and may still be registered at their previous address. 

“The most important thing to do is register to vote, or if you are registered, check and make sure you’re registered, and then update your information as needed,” Mosca said.  

Students registered in Leon County can update their address and other voter information before voting.

Students attending college in Tallahassee can either register and vote in Leon County or remain registered in their home county.  

The Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office recommends students check their registration information before going to the polls.  

For first-time voters, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. Mosca said the Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office offers resources to help voters become familiar with the process before arriving at the polls. These resources include information about voting locations, election dates and sample ballots. 

 “We strongly recommend that voters look at their sample ballot. Do that research ahead of time, so you can vote with confidence on Election Day,” Mosca said.  

 Reviewing a sample ballot before Election Day can help students understand the candidates and issues they will see when voting. The Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office also provides information about voting locations and ways to cast a ballot. 

 For the 2026 General Election, the voter registration deadline is Oct. 5. Early voting takes place from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, and Election Day is Nov. 3. Registered Leon County voters can vote at any of the county’s 10 early voting locations, including the FAMU Efferson Student Union and the FSU Student Union.  

The Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office encourages voters to check their registration information, review their sample ballot and learn their voting options before Election Day. For students who want to participate, preparing in advance can make the voting process easier to navigate.