The Moorpark College quad was filled with civic energy on Monday, Nov. 4, as students gathered for Civic Engagement Day, an event designed to boost political awareness and voting participation among students.
The event featured live debates, voter information booths and political party representatives from Democratic, Republican and Libertarian groups, offering a unique opportunity for students to explore diverse perspectives on upcoming elections.
Hosted by the Associated Students of Moorpark College in partnership with the Moorpark College Forensics Team and Mock Trial Club, the event aimed to close the gap between students and political discourse.
Matthew Munoz, Director of Student Advocacy and organizer of Civic Engagement Day, expressed pride in the event’s turnout and impact.
“Through multiple phone calls and headquarters visits, we are excited that we were able to get Democratic, Republican and Libertarian party representatives to come out and participate at this event,” Munoz said. “Our purpose is to help students be aware of the upcoming elections and build their political knowledge.”
The event offered a chance for students to engage in meaningful conversations beyond the usual online environment, a factor that resonated with political science student Christopher Vance.
“A lot of our political participation in this generation is done over the internet and often makes interactions dehumanized as people just attack one another,” Vance said. “So when I see engaging, detailed discussions on what’s going on in this country by young people, I’m reassured that we still have a healthy view on public discourse.”
Events like Civic Engagement Day give students a personalized view of the potential impacts of state and national elections on the local community, allowing participants to engage beyond commercialized campaign ads.
For students like Haylee Weaver, an international studies major from the country of Antigua and Barbuda, the event was a valuable introduction to the U.S. political landscape.
“It’s important for young voters to understand that the choices we make now can affect our future,” Weaver said. “A majority of students at the community college level are within the 18-25 age range, and this might be their first time voting, so having an event like this on campus is a great privilege.”
Civic Engagement Day at Moorpark College highlighted the importance of creating an informed and engaged student body, a mission ASMC hopes to continue with similar events. Moorpark College believes these efforts will play an important role in helping students make informed decisions when casting their votes.
To learn more about Moorpark College’s commitment to supporting its community members’ right to free speech and expression, click here.
