JMU Earns National Seal for Civic Engagement Efforts

University recognized for strong nonpartisan democratic action plan ahead of 2026 elections.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:08pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of voter registration forms repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the university's efforts to promote nonpartisan civic engagement among students.JMU's civic engagement efforts aim to make voter registration and participation an iconic part of the college experience.Harrisonburg Today

James Madison University has received the Highly Established Action Plan Seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, recognizing the university's strong commitment to promoting nonpartisan democratic engagement among students ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Over 120 higher education institutions nationwide received the recognition for creating a thorough action plan to boost student participation in the electoral process.

Why it matters

Civic engagement and voter participation are critical to a healthy democracy, and universities play a key role in preparing the next generation of citizens. JMU's recognition demonstrates its leadership in fostering nonpartisan political involvement on campus, which can serve as a model for other institutions.

The details

According to the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Guide rubric, which assesses campuses on strategy, teamwork and quantifiable objectives for boosting student engagement in elections, JMU received 32.5 points out of 36 available points from a panel of expert peer reviewers. A key part of JMU's democratic engagement efforts is its Dukes Vote initiative, which provides students with resources, information and opportunities to register to vote, learn about candidates and participate in the voting process.

  • JMU received the Highly Established Action Plan Seal on March 30, 2026.

The players

Kara Dillard

Executive director of the Madison Center for Civic Engagement at James Madison University.

ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge

A national initiative that recognizes colleges and universities for their commitment to increasing student voter participation.

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What they’re saying

“Being awarded the Highly Established Action Plan Seal for the third time acknowledges the deliberate efforts of the Madison Center to promote nonpartisan civic engagement. Our goal is for every JMU student to feel informed and ready to take part in the democratic process.”

— Kara Dillard, Executive director of the Madison Center for Civic Engagement

The takeaway

JMU's recognition as a leader in nonpartisan civic engagement demonstrates the important role universities can play in fostering political participation and preparing students to be active, informed citizens.