UCLA Student Groups Push for Election Participation

Campus organizations are working to boost student turnout ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Civic Engagement

UCLA Student Groups Push for Election Participation

Live Poll

Do you feel a personal responsibility to vote in local and midterm elections?

UCLA student groups are actively campaigning to increase political participation among the student body for the midterm elections. Efforts include canvassing, voter guides, and on-campus initiatives to prepare students for local and statewide contests.

Why it matters

These student-led initiatives aim to bridge the gap in young voter engagement, ensuring students are informed and prepared for critical state and local decision-making. By mobilizing peers, these organizations strive to increase representation in the democratic process.

Los Angeles residents will decide on 14 statewide ballot propositions and 10 county measures during the Nov. 3 election. Voters previously faced an Oct. 19 registration deadline to participate.

The players

Undergraduate Students Association Council

This is the primary governing body for undergraduate students at UCLA that coordinates student resources and advocacy efforts.

YDSA

The Young Democratic Socialists of America is a student organization focused on political activism and supporting specific candidates.

SURGE

This is a student advocacy group that facilitates civic engagement by providing resources and organizational support to its members.

The details

Organizations like the YDSA are utilizing text-banking and canvassing for endorsed candidates, while SURGE is mailing commit-to-vote cards to members. The Undergraduate Students Association Council also plans to distribute a multilingual voter pamphlet guide to assist the campus community.

The California voter registration deadline passed on Oct. 19, 2026.
The midterm elections take place on Nov. 3, 2026.

Political Context

These outreach efforts navigate the structured requirements of the California Elections Code, which dictates official registration and voting timelines. Opposition groups often argue that such partisan campus mobilization efforts can inadvertently narrow the scope of political discourse on university grounds.

Students and Westwood residents can access four dedicated vote centers located at Ackerman Union, De Neve Plaza, and the Hammer Museum. These locations provide the necessary facilities to cast ballots for the governor, attorney general, and mayoral races.

The takeaway

Engaging in local and state elections allows students to directly influence decisions on ballot measures that affect campus and city life. Students should verify their specific polling location and check provided voter guides to ensure they are prepared for the ballot.