UCLA Student-Athletes Registered to Vote in Large Numbers
November 02, 2020 | Bruin Athletics
The 17 teams with 100% registration are: baseball, women's basketball, beach volleyball, men's cross country, women's cross country, men's golf, women's golf, gymnastics, rowing, men's soccer, women's soccer, softball, swimming & diving, women's tennis, men's volleyball, women's volleyball and women's water polo. Football and men's water polo are the two additional teams with at least 90% registered.
Voter registration is a key goal in UCLA Athletics' Voting Matters Initiative, launched in June as one the first initiatives implemented by Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond. In addition to encouraging registration, the Voting Matters Initiative has emphasized voter education sessions for all teams, as well as ongoing civic engagement. UCLA Athletics partnered with the student organization BruinsVote to educate and raise awareness.
The UCLA Football team participated in two community service projects at the Weingart YMCA Wellness & Aquatic Center, passing out backpacks and other supplies in a drive-through back-to-school event in August and then joining forces with the women's soccer team in September to assemble and hand out meals to families in need. As the Voting Matters Initiative continues beyond Election Day, other Bruin teams will plan additional civic engagement projects.
UCLA student-athletes on why they vote
Val Ayala, Women's Water Polo
"It's really important that we use our voice and that we know that each person is just as powerful as the next. You don't want to let someone speak for you; you want to voice your own opinion."
Paige Carter, Cross Country/Track & Field
"I vote because it gives me the opportunity to advocate for people and policies that will help shape the community that I want to be a part of."
Juliette Frank, Rowing
"Your voice matters. Now is the time to make a plan for the polls. Research your ballot, get to know your candidates and represent your community well. Make your voice count."
Chase Griffin, Football
"The Bruin community knows that champions are made here, and part of being a champion is you're not just a champion on the field or on the court, it's everywhere you are. It's just another part of the process, and it's a great indicator of our dedication to our work."
Lauryn Miller, Women's Basketball
"Voting is super important to me, especially as a Black woman. Understanding who came before me, the history behind fighting for the right for Black people and Black women to vote makes it that much more my responsibility to go out and do it."
Kendal Poston, Gymnastics
"I vote to show girls that politics is a place for women and to set the example that female voices belong."
Savvy Simo, Beach Volleyball
"It's our civic duty to vote and voice our opinions in this world. I think there are a lot of things that are upside down right now, and voting can change a lot of things for the better. I think that every opinion matters, every voice matters, every vote counts, so everyone should get out there and vote because it's our civic duty to do that."
Chris Smith, Men's Basketball
"It's important to go vote because it's our civic duty to make this world a better place."
