Pell Center celebrates Constitution Day with panel discussion on importance of civic engagement, voting rights

By student writer Megan Dick '27

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Salve Regina University’s Pell Center hosted a panel discussion entitled, "The Power of the Vote: Exploring Voting Rights Through History, Community and Campus Involvement" in honor of Constitution Day. The discussion featured Rhode Island Secretary of State, Gregg Amore, Shahidah Ali, a community activist with the Rhode Island Coalition of Black Women, Pell Center Associate Director Katie Sonder and Elodie Chery '27, president of SalveVotes.   

The event opened with remarks from Dr. Mary Anderson, Brodsky Chair in U.S. Constitutional Democracy and Culture at Salve, who moderated the discussion. Anderson highlighted the importance of protecting voting rights in America, and shared a quote from the late U.S. Rep. and civil rights leader John Lewis: "your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have to create a more perfect union."

Amore, who taught high school social studies for many years in Rhode Island, gave a brief overview of the history of voting rights in America. He has spent the past few years speaking on voting rights issues at schools across the state and helping students understand the complex history behind them.  

"Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have to create a more perfect union."   

He told attendees that liberal democracy was born in America with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He noted that only 5% of Americans were eligible to vote in the first presidential election, and Rhode Island was the first state to include universal male suffrage in its constitution. Amore discussed poll tests, aimed at preventing minority groups from voting under the guise of testing constitutional knowledge. He reminded attendees that change is still possible despite significant challenges.   

The panelists all agreed with Sonder's assessment that democracy is successful through simple actions that add up in the long run. Ali added that it is our responsibility as citizens to stay engaged, and Amore emphasized the importance of investing in education.   

As for enhancing civic engagement, Chery reinforced the idea that small steps often grow into something bigger, noting how SalveVotes emerged on campus. The organization was initially a coalition with Sonder and several faculty members but eventually grew into a group of students, faculty and staff with the aim of increasing voting interest and for young people to see the power of the vote.  

Amore acknowledged the difficulties many groups grapple with around voting. He reassured attendees that he and fellow state officials are dedicated to protecting citizens from voter discrimination and advocate for early voting and a secure system for doing so.   

An audience member asked what we can tell those who say their vote doesn't matter or that they don't care about politics.  

Ali responded, "politics and policy affect every single aspect of your life. The more I say that to younger people, the more they start to understand."  

"Politics and policy affect every single aspect of your life. The more I say that to younger people, the more they start to understand."  

The discussion ended on an optimistic note. Chery said continuing to have conversations with one another is of utmost importance. Sonder stated how Gen Z voters have doubled their participation rate compared to two years ago.   

One of my own biggest takeaways was around Ali's thoughts on the wide-reaching impacts of politics and policy. The whole event put things into perspective and encouraged me to educate myself more on voting. The simplicity and impact of her statement is something I will carry with me and share with others, as it made me think about how integral politics and policy are in our lives.   

To use Sonder’s words, “let's make civic engagement cool again.”