Photo by Rory Dugan/EAC: From left, EAC professor Travis Catt, EAC student Isiah Hinsman, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Graham County Clerk Polly Merriman, attend a press conference recognizing EAC as a voter-friendly campus. EAC President Todd Haney.

THATHER — On Thursday, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and EAC President Todd Haney announced that Eastern Arizona University was named a voter-friendly campus by the US Congress. Fair Election Center Campus Voting Project and NASPA – Higher Education Student Affairs Administrator. This initiative recognizes educational institutions that have planned and implemented practices that encourage student enrollment and voting.

“College students face additional barriers to voting,” Haney said. “Voter ID laws, lack of information, transportation to polling places, and confusing requirements have historically kept student voters away from voting. We are working hard to get you involved.”

Haney called the voter-friendly campus designation “Go Monsters!” EAC student Isaiah Hintzman, EAC professor Travis Catt, and Graham County registrar Polly Merriman highlighted the efforts they have made to help students become more involved in civic engagement. For their efforts, he and Secretary Fontes awarded them his EAC Mark of Excellence Award.

Secretary of State Fontes said the voter-friendly campus designation underscores the EAC’s mission to prepare students to be active participants in democracy. He told students in attendance that their votes mattered and would directly affect their futures.

“I am committed to expanding access to ballot papers to all voters, and that is why I am delighted that Eastern Arizona University is here at Thatcher to be designated a voter-friendly campus. ‘ said Fontes. “Overcoming barriers to electoral participation is not going to happen suddenly. I hope it not only sticks around, but spreads.Congratulations to all the Doyle Monsters for their amazing achievements today.”