2024 - 2025 Voter Engagement Events and Programs
The Dr. Katherine S. Conway-Turner Office of Civic and Community Engagement brings to you a semester of voter engagement and voter education programming.
Below is a list of events, and additional information is available on the CCE Bengal Connect page. We encourage all to RSVP on Bengal Conect to help us be prepared for the following events:
Majority Rules Documentary - 3rd Fiim Screening
Join Bengals Vote Coalition (BVC) on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, for a special screening of Majority Rules, a compelling documentary exploring the impact of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) on democracy and elections. This screening and panel will be taking place from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM at Ujima Theater (429 Plymouth Ave, Suite #2, Buffalo, NY 14213).
This event is hosted by the WNY Ranked Choice Voting Coalition. WNY RCV Coalition is dedicated to expanding voter choice, increasing civic participation, & ensuring that elections in WNY reflect the true will of the people. RCV strengthens our democracy by making elections more fair, representative, & accessible for all.
Registration is available here: https://bit.ly/RCVFilmScreening
Questions? email cce@buffalostate.edu or call 716-878-3919
Film Screening of 'Majority Rules' Documentary at the Burchfield Penney
This event will be a city-wide effort to introduce and educate all who are interested in Ranked-Choice Voting and its potential impact on voters.
DID YOU KNOW: NYC will be using Ranked Choice Voting for the Mayoral Primary Elections this June?
Jazz music playing in the background as the doors open for the M&T Second Friday at the Burchfield Penney, soft conversation around bistro tables over light refreshments filled the space with warmth and anticipation for the screening of Majority Rules. New friends met and old friends caught up, gathered by a shared interest in learning something new about how our democracy can evolve.
This vibrant and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for a memorable evening as the Bengals Vote Coalition (BVC) hosted the West Side screening of the acclaimed documentary film Majority Rules, which explores Alaska’s use of Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV). The event was part of a city-wide initiative to educate and engage voters on the growing movement for electoral reform and the upcoming implementation of Ranked Choice Voting in NYC’s Mayoral Primary Elections this June.
The audience was composed of engaged citizens from across Buffalo, including a strong showing from the SUNY Buffalo State University community—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—along with community members and partner organizations.
The film screening began at 5:45 p.m. and was followed by a lively and insightful panel discussion featuring:
- Dr. Peter Yacobucci, SUNY Buffalo State
- RJ Hac, UB Votes
- Timothy Perino, League of Women Voters Buffalo-Niagara
- Paula Cahill, Unite NY
- Keelan Erhard, Partnership for the Public Good
The panel was moderated by Rachelle Clark, SUNY Buffalo State Senior and Co-Chair of the Bengals Vote Coalition, whose leadership helped guide a thoughtful and inclusive dialogue on RCV’s potential to enhance representation and civic participation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended in person and virtually via Microsoft Teams, and to all who contributed their time and energy to making the event a success. Special gratitude goes out to our dedicated partners:
WNY Ranked Choice Voting Coalition, Partnership for the Public Good, Voice Buffalo!, UB Votes, Unite NY, League of Women Voters Buffalo-Niagara, Buffalo Center for Health Equity, and many more. Your ongoing collaboration reflects the collective power of community and civic engagement.
As part of our mission to educate, inspire, and mobilize all citizens, we encourage everyone to stay involved and informed. Be sure to follow the CCE social media channels for updates and announcements regarding our next screening this May—details will be shared soon.
To learn more or to get involved, please contact the BVC at 716-878-3919 or email cce@buffalostate.edu.
Buffalo State Hosts Local Politics Panel Discussion on Civic Engagement
Buffalo State Hosts Local Politics Panel Discussion on Civic Engagement
On Tuesday, March 18, more than 90 Buffalo State students, faculty members, and staff gathered for the Local Politics Panel Discussion to explore the importance of civic engagement at the local level. The event was organized by multiple departments (including Social Work and Government, Planning, and Philosophy) and the Bengals Vote Coalition (BVC) and featured a diverse panel of local policymakers.
Interim President Bonita Durand, Ph.D., opened the discussion with an inspiring address, encouraging attendees to be active citizens rather than passive spectators. New York State Senator April Baskin of the 63rd Senate District, also shared her journey to public office via a prerecorded video message.
The panel included Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, Majority Leader Leah M. Halton-Pope, Ellicott Council Member Mitch Nowakowski, Buffalo Public School Board Members Hon. Lawrence Scott and Hon. Jennifer Mecozzi, and Rebecca Castañeda, a representative from Sean Ryan’s mayoral campaign.
Panelists engaged in a dynamic discussion, answering questions from both the moderator and audience members about how individuals can get involved in local politics and make a real difference in their communities.
We thank all sponsors for the collaboration, including the Social Work Department; Government, Planning, and Philosophy Department; Bengals Vote Coalition; Student Political Society Club; Milligan’s Food Pantry; and Roar 2 Success.
View event photos taken by BVC members.
Local Politics: Why & How to Get Involved
A Panel Discussion with Local policymakers about the importance of civic engagement at the local level and explore ways you can get involved.
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Bulger 215
Confirmed Panelists include:
- Welcoming remarks by President Durand.
- Erie County Executive, Mark C. Poloncarz
- Majority Leader & Ellicott District Council Woman, Leah M. Halton-Pope
- BSU Alum and Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski
- Buffalo Public School West District Board Member
- Hon. Jennifer Mecozzi
- Buffalo Public School Board VP of Student Achievement and Board Member At Large Hon. Lawrence Scott
- Pre-recorded video from Senator April Baskin, NYS Senate District 63 and New York State Senator for the 61st District, Sean Ryan.
Sponsored by the Department of Social Work, Department of Government, Planning, and Philosophy, Bengals Vote Coalition, & Student Political Society Club
You can find more information on CCE Bengal Connect. Questions, contact the Bengals Vote Coalition at cce@buffalostate.edu or call 716-878-3919
Get Election Ready: Voter Drop-in Information Table with SWK 302
Stop by the weekly table and meet active Bengals and local civically engaged student advocates from SWK 302 and various organizations to get answers to all your voting questions!
- 9/10, 11am-2pm, Butler Library
- 9/12, 5pm-7pm, Student Union Lobby
- 9/17, 11am-2pm, Bulger Foyer
- 9/24, 11am-2pm, Butler Library
- 9/26, 11am-2pm, Student Union Social Hall
- 10/1, 5pm-7pm, Student Union Lobby
- 10/3, 11am-2pm, Student Union Lobby
- 10/8, 11am-2pm, Student Union Lobby
- 10/10, 5pm-7pm, Student Union Lobby
- 10/17, 11am- 2pm, TECH 181 (Lobby)
- 10/22, 6pm-8pm, Houston Gym
- 10/23, 11am-2pm, Student Union Lobby
SUNY Virtual Presidential Debate Watch Party
Are you interested in the democratic process? Want to watch the presidential debate live and increase your civic knowledge? Join us for a Virtual Debate Watch Party on Tuesday, September 10 from 8-11pm!
Fellow SUNY students will gather to watch the presidential debate LIVE and listen to meaningful analysis from political experts about the key issues and candidate platforms. This watch party is a perfect blend of education and community involvement, enhancing your civic knowledge and participation in the democratic process. The event will include commentary by SUNY Buffalo's Dr. Jacob Neiheisel and SUNY Buffalo State's Dr. A.K. Shaukum, alongside interactive reflection and engaging discussions in the chat. The Zoom link will be posted on the CCE Bengal Connect. Sponsored by SUNY Buffalo and SUNY Buffalo State Civic and Community Engagement.
Women at the Front Line of the Fight for Democracy
Please join us for a dynamic and powerful talk, “Women at the Front Line of the Fight for Democracy,” on Monday, September 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in Science and Mathematics Complex 173.
In 2011, the traditional role of women in Myanmar society began to change along with the process of transition of the political system. The process gave opportunities for women to expose themselves to new ideas on gender equality, feminism, and human rights as the world reengaged the country. In 2015, these opportunities rose with the taking over of the civilian government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi. But the expectations were short-lived as the country continues to descend into deeper turmoil, since February 1, 2021. Today, women are holding the front line of the country’s quest for freedom, with nothing but their courage, commitment, and creativity. The battle for democracy in Myanmar has become a symbolic contest between democracy and authoritarianism at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region. “The international community must recognize the courage of the women of Myanmar and stand with them in their fight for democracy.”
This talk is sponsored by the Buffalo State Global Studies Institute, School of Arts and Sciences, and School of the Professions. *Important note: This talk is not for attribution. Participants and attendees may not attribute any quotes or share content of any speakers or participants. Use of personal recording devices and cameras is prohibited.
Constitution Day Panel Discussion
Celebrate Constitution Day with us! On September 17, from 12:15-1:30pm in Bulger 215, the Political Science, Public Administration, and Planning Department, Civic and Community Engagement (CCE), and Student Political Society Club at Buffalo State University will host a voter registration drive in conjunction with a panel discussion entitled "Do What I Say, Not What I Do: SCOTUS’ Slow Undermining of Democracy.” The discussion will focus on the conceptualization of democracy based on recent opinions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Panelists include William C. Altreuter (J.D.), Dr. A.K. Shauku, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Peter Yacobucci, Associate Professor.
National Voter Registration Day Community Action Fair
In conjunction with the Constitution Day Panel Discussion, the National Voter Registration Day Community Action Fair allows students to meet with community partners who are making a difference in the community and take action daily to address the issues that will be on the ballot this November. Attending are Buffalo Center for Health and Equity, League of Women Voters, Partnership for the Public Good, and Voice Buffalo. Seek volunteer and internship opportunities and go beyond your vote. This event is brought to you by Bengals Vote Coalition Civic and Community Engagement (CCE), Political Science, Public Administration, and Planning Department, and the Student Political Society Club at Buffalo State University. email the CCE if you have any questions. Stop by the fair on September 17 from 11am-2pm in the Bulger Foyer!
Voting Empowerment Rally
Come one! Come all! We are gathering the SUNY Buffalo State community to celebrate our new on-campus polling site with a rally on Thursday, October 24, 2024, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM during Bengal Pause in Lobby 100, also known as the Pit, Campbell Student Union. Speakers include Interim President Dr. Bonita Durand, Professor Dr. Peter Yacobucci, Erie County Election Commissioners Ralph Mohr and Jeremy Zellner, Former U.S. Representative Brian Higgins and Young Gens Vote founder Jaime Lechner. The program will start at 12:30 PM.
We will celebrate our new on-campus polling location with “birthday” cupcakes, we will be giving away of “Don’t throw shade, VOTE!” t-shirts, table to get students to be voter ready, launch the pledge to vote $100 gift card raffle for the on-campus Barnes and Noble, and host a "Speak your mind" poster-making campaign!
Co-Sponsored by: Bengals Vote Coalition, Civic and Community Engagement Office, SPS student organization, Political Science, Public Admin and Planning Department, and League of Women Voters Buffalo Niagara. Democracy Is not a spectator sport. Let’s get out and vote!
Questions? email cce@buffalostate.edu or call 716-878-3919