Iowa Secretary of State Launches Collegiate Voter Engagement Initiative

New Catt Collegiate Challenge aims to boost student voter turnout across the state

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced a new program called the Catt Collegiate Challenge, which will partner with colleges and universities across the state to host voter registration drives and other civic engagement events for students. The initiative is named after Iowa native and women's suffrage leader Carrie Chapman Catt, and schools that register the most students to vote and see the highest turnout will be recognized at an annual summit.

Why it matters

The program is an effort to address the lower voter turnout rates among young people in Iowa, which can be 20 points behind older age groups. By providing resources and incentives for colleges to prioritize civic engagement, the Secretary of State hopes to empower students to get involved in the political process and shape the future of their communities.

The details

The Catt Collegiate Challenge will have Pate's office work directly with participating colleges and universities to host voter registration drives and other events focused on civic education and responsibilities. Schools that register the most students to vote and see the highest student voter turnout in state elections will earn a trophy and award to be presented at an annual voter engagement summit. Eleven schools have already signed up to take part in the initiative, including Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and several private liberal arts colleges.

  • The first annual voter engagement summit is scheduled for early April 2026 in Des Moines.
  • The Catt Collegiate Challenge trophy and award will be presented at the summit each year.

The players

Paul Pate

The Iowa Secretary of State, who announced the new Catt Collegiate Challenge program.

Quinn Margrett

An Iowa State University senior who has been involved in various civic engagement roles on campus, including serving as student body vice president and a legislative clerk.

Carrie Chapman Catt

An Iowa native and leader in the women's suffrage movement, whose legacy the new collegiate initiative is named after.

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What they’re saying

“Having worked elections myself, registered students to vote and witnessed firsthand the unique barriers to civic participation that students face here in Iowa, I will always stand behind any efforts to provide students with the resources they need to translate passion into participation.”

— Quinn Margrett, Iowa State University senior (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

“To Iowa's college students — this is your moment. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. We're here to help you take the first step by registering to vote. Together, we make sure that Iowa's future is shaped by engaged, informed citizens like you.”

— Paul Pate, Iowa Secretary of State (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

What’s next

The first annual voter engagement summit is scheduled for early April 2026 in Des Moines, where the Catt Collegiate Challenge trophy and award will be presented to the participating schools with the highest student voter turnout.

The takeaway

By partnering with colleges and universities across Iowa, the Secretary of State's office is taking a proactive approach to boosting civic engagement and voter participation among the state's young people, a demographic that has historically lagged in election turnout. The Catt Collegiate Challenge provides both incentives and resources to help empower students to make their voices heard in the political process.