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East Tennessee State University is encouraging everyone to vote this November – and they are enlisting the help of some of campus’s most beloved Buccaneers to share the message.  

During a voter registration drive Sept. 10, Bucky, ETSU’s fun-loving mascot, launched his campaign for “Best Buc” in an effort to raise awareness for upcoming election-related events and increase voter turnout. But Bucky soon learned that he will face some stiff competition. This afternoon, Pepper, ETSU’s adorable campus canine, challenged Bucky for the title, posting on her Instagram “who’s going to tell [Bucky] that the title of ‘Best Buccaneer’ is already taken?” 

Bucky and Pepper have partnered with ETSU Votes, a student voter registration and engagement program, to schedule a full lineup of events to support their campaigns and engage students in the electoral process:

• September 17: Voter registration drive and campaign rally from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Borchuck Plaza 
• September 26: Democracy Field Day (details coming soon) 
• October 8: Conversation with the Commissioner Candidates from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the D.P. Culp Student Center East Tennessee Room  
• November 5: Election Results Watch Party at 7 p.m. in the D.P. Culp Student Center Cave 

“At ETSU, we strive to help our students become productive, well-informed, and engaged citizens,” Nathan Farnor, the advisor for ETSU Votes, said. “Ensuring that all Americans exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard is foundational to our democracy.”  

ETSU has repeatedly been recognized for its efforts to register voters and encourage civic engagement among its students. The university has been named a “Voter Friendly Campus” and, last year, was recognized by Secretary of State Tre Hargett for developing an innovative student-led social media campaign to encourage voter registration. Most recently, ETSU was recognized nationally by ALL IN for developing a comprehensive nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan. 

To learn more about these initiatives, find details about how to register to vote, and find information on when and where to vote, visit etsu.edu/votes.