SU and PACE Recognized for Election Efforts

SALISBURY, MD---As voters cast their ballots during last fall’s mid-term elections, Salisbury University faculty, staff and students were there – volunteering as election judges.

Fifteen participated at local polls, recruited as part of a one-year pilot program developed by the Center for the Study of Democracy at St. Mary’s College and the American Association of University Professors. In a recent report by the center, SU and the Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) were recognized for having the most successful recruitment efforts in Maryland.

“Because of PACE, SU’s Professors at the Polls recruitment effort achieved unique success, recruiting not just faculty from all four schools, but staff, students, and community supporters as well,” said Dr. Maarten Pereboom of the History Department, who coordinated the effort with PACE and Dr. Roberta Adams of the Political Science department.

SU participants included Harry Basehart, Carolyn Bowden, Susan Cabral, Cynthia Cooper, Steve Gehnrich, Maarten Pereboom, Melanie Perreault, Gaylord Robb, Carol Hagar, William Humphreys, Jeff Webb, Debbie Wilkins, Barbara Benton, Jeremiah Hosford and Matthew Jackson.

The pilot program was developed from a grant awarded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York in response to the need for election judges nationwide.  The American Association of University Professors outlined this need last January at a conference in Washington, D.C.

Based on the success of SU’s initiatives, the Center for the Study of Democracy recommended that other universities should also identify campus organizations focused on volunteering or civic engagement, such as PACE, that have the ability to coordinate a successful project.

For more information call 410-677-5045 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.