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Brookdale Community College’s recent Civic Engagement event showcased the power of student voices, with honors students Alana Pytel and Lexi Ricci delivering an inspiring presentation about the importance of voter participation. Both political science majors, Alana and Lexi, shared their journey from high school to Brookdale, underscoring the need to address the alarming lack of civic education and voter awareness among young Americans.

Lexi Ricci, Alana Pytel, Assemblywoman Vicki Flynn and Professor Jonathan Moschberger.
Lexi Ricci, Alana Pytel, Assemblywoman Vicki Flynn and Professor Jonathan Moschberger.

“One of our biggest challenges as a society is that many U.S. citizens aged 18 and older are not aware of their constitutional rights or the true importance of participation in government,” Lexi explained. She emphasized how this lack of knowledge leads to younger generations being underrepresented in government policies, favoring older, wealthier, and more educated groups. This cycle of disengagement, according to the pair, is rooted in insufficient education about the significance of voting.

Both students became actively involved in “Promote the Vote,” a program they introduced during their senior year at Marlboro High School, which encouraged voter registration among their peers. Their efforts resulted in over 300 out of 467 students registering to vote. Now, Alana and Lexi are working to bring that same energy and passion to Brookdale, aiming to spark a larger movement among their college peers.

“We hope to take this tradition from our high school and bring it to Brookdale to create an even bigger change,” Alana shared. Their message was clear: voting is not just a right but a privilege, and it’s vital for young people to participate in shaping the future.

The event’s organizer praised the duo for their leadership and the example they set for their peers. “Alana and Lexi were the inspiration behind this,” said Political Science Professor Jonathan Moschberger. “They have sparked a conversation that will hopefully grow into a larger, more engaged student body here at Brookdale.”

With their continued efforts, these two honors students are poised to leave a lasting impact on campus and beyond, ensuring their generation’s voice is heard in the democratic process.

Join Lexi and Alana at Promote The Vote event Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

Diversity Statement: Brookdale Community College fosters an environment of inclusion and belonging. We promote a safe and open culture, encourage dialogue respecting diverse perspectives informed by credible sources, and uphold the virtues of civil discourse. We celebrate all identities with the understanding that ultimately, diversity, equity, and inclusion cultivate belonging and make us a stronger Brookdale community.