Students from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) David A. Clarke School of Law will take part in National Voter Registration Day, a nationwide event aimed at encouraging voter engagement and education. The event is on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Among those leading the effort is UDC Law student Jenaya Moore, who described her classmates’ participation in Voter Registration Day as a testament to UDC Law’s long history of social justice and public service. “We understand that attending law school is a privilege,” Moore says. “And that as law students, we have a duty to give back. We can do our part by sharing what we learn, by helping others understand their voting rights and how to protect them.”

On Voter Registration Day, UDC Law students will be available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Student Center’s Heritage Hall to assist students and other community members interested in registering to vote or verifying their voter registration. They will also have educational materials about candidates from local elections to national races, as well as their policy positions.

Moore emphasized the importance of engaging young people, especially college students, in the democratic process.

“The voting process can be hard to navigate,” Moore said. “For example, UDC is fortunate to have students from across the country, but it also means we need to be prepared to provide a wide range of information on absentee ballots and voting by mail for folks who want to cast their vote back home.

“In some cases, states make it even harder for students to vote using their university-issued ID. It can get complicated, so we’re here to make sure people understand what they need to do to have their voices heard.”

For Moore, voter registration is not just about ensuring people have the opportunity to vote—it’s about empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions. “This is more than just checking a box on Election Day,” she says. “It’s about understanding your rights, your power, and the future you want to create.”

Beyond Voter Registration Day, UDC Law is planning other election season events, including a watch party for the vice-presidential debate on Oct. 1, followed by an election night watch party on Nov. 5. These events are designed to bring students and faculty together for conversation and community.

“We had a small watch party for the first debate, which started as a casual get-together of classmates who wanted to watch the debate together,” Moore recalls. “But it quickly grew into something bigger—a space where people could engage in a meaningful way and really dig into the issues.”

Moore stressed that the many voter engagement efforts are rooted in the values that define UDC Law and make it so special. “This is a place where you will find family, community and people who genuinely care about your success,” she says. When asked what she would advise prospective students, she doesn’t hesitate: “Be prepared, be open-minded, and come ready to work. And not just in your classes, but on yourself and in your community. They are looking for us, and we need to be ready.”