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:
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