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ABOUT
STANFORDVOTES.
StanfordVotes is a
non-partisan, university-wide, student-run organization which works to increase voter turnout among Stanford students.
Formed in response to the low student voter turnout rates in 2014 and 2016, StanfordVotes engages with campus leadership and other stakeholders to help create a culture of civic engagement on the Farm. StanfordVotes is run through the Stanford in Government (SIG) Civic Engagement Branch in collaboration with the Haas Center for Public Service, and has partnerships with the Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) and the President’s Office.
During the 2018 election, volunteers encouraged Stanford community members to vote through tabling in White Plaza, a Party at the Post Office event, and registering people to vote in dining halls. Due to these and other efforts, student turnout increased from 16.9% in 2014 to 42.7% in 2018. Since 2018, we’ve implemented an enrollment hold, which encourages students to register to vote (if eligible) before they’re allowed to sign up for classes. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented nature of last year’s election cycle, we aimed for even better numbers in 2020 through new partnerships and creative methods of digital engagement.
Campus Partners
Current Leadership
Co-Chairs
Helen Scarborough
Helen Scarborough ('28) is a junior from Boulder, Colorado studying psychology. As Co-Chair of StanfordVotes this year, she is excited to find new ways to invigorate civic engagement at Stanford. Helen is passionate about meeting voters where they are and exploring how environmental and social factors contribute to voter misinformation, disengagement, and apathy. Outside of SIG, she does research on affect and decision making, and she has learned from her work in human services about some of the causes of communities’ frustrations with government. In her free time, Helen enjoys dancing, reading, long walks, and warm tea.
Maria Rueda
Maria Rueda (‘28) is a junior from Southwest Florida studying international relations and history. She is excited about continuing to assist students with the voting process and increasing civic engagement on campus. Outside of StanfordVotes, Maria enjoys spending time outdoors and binging TV shows.
Directors
Caroline Goldman
Director, Voter Education
Caroline Goldman (she/her) is a sophomore studying political science with a computer science minor. Outside of StanfordVotes, she loves theater, dance, listening to music, and reading. She’s honored to be this year’s Director of Voter Education, and she’s so excited for the opportunity to be more involved in StanfordVotes and Stanford in Government!
Cora Atkinson
Director, Campus Partnerships
Cora Atkinson ('29) is majoring in Urban Studies with a concentration in Urban Societies and Social Change and two minors in Education and Psychology. She is interested in exploring the dynamics of the spaces we live in and how these can impact well-being, equity, and more. Cora works at the Haas Center for Public Service, the GSE’s National Student Support Accelerator, Bing Nursery School, the IntroSems Department, and the Center for Teaching and Learning. Outside of school she enjoys being outside in any capacity, playing the Alto Sax and Piano, and organizing student events to support educational equity.
Kyle Dixon
Director, Civic Programs
Kyle Dixon ('29) is a sophomore studying Political Science and Philosophy with a goal of attending law school after graduating. He is interested in the intersection of laws, the Constitution, and everyday life. As StanfordVotes' Director of Civic Programs, he will bring meaningful opportunities to everyone across campus to engage with civic life at Stanford. Outside of SIG, he enjoys watching movies, photography, hiking, and mountain biking.
Arvind Salem
Director, External Relations
Arvind Salem ('29) is a sophomore interested in political science. As part of StanfordVotes he is excited to help further civic participation on campus. Outside of SIG, Arvind enjoys keeping up with the NBA, reading, or enjoying a walk on campus.
Past Chairs
Aubrey Merrill
2024-25
Cameron Lange
2022-23
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Jacob Parker
2025-26
Dylan Vergara
2024-25
Emily Handsel
2021-22
Emmett Chung
2025-26
Lexi Kupor
2023-24
Emily Tianshi
2023-24
Sean Casey
2020-21
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Liana Keesing
2020-21
Chase Small
2019-20
Alex Chau
2019-20
Christina Li
2018-19
