El Paso, Texas – On a crisp campus afternoon, El Paso Community College (EPCC) turned its student union into a forum for civic responsibility. The college’s Student Government Association teamed with Campus Leadership & Student Life to host former NASA astronaut Dr. Danny Olivas, a representative of Astronauts For America (AFA), as part of the national “Vote for Freedom” tour.
Local students hear a call to civic action
Dr. Olivas, who spent more than a decade in space exploration, joined EPCC faculty and students for a moderated fireside chat. The conversation focused on the power of the ballot and the role of young people in shaping the nation’s direction. “This is something that we want to try to encourage young people to get involved because it is about their future,” Olivas told ABC‑7 during the event.
He emphasized that voting is not merely a right but a responsibility that determines the country’s trajectory. “It is about the future of America. It’s about getting them involved in the civic engagement of the United States to make this country what they want it to be, and not what their parents want it to be, because ultimately, you know, their future is being decided today,” he said.
“Vote for Freedom” tour reaches El Paso
The “Vote for Freedom” tour is a non‑partisan, nationwide initiative designed to spark voter interest among college students and young adults. Organizers at EPCC said the tour’s goal is to help students consider how their votes affect issues that matter to families, faith communities, and the broader society.
EPCC’s Student Government Association President Maya Torres highlighted the importance of local outreach. “We want our campus to be a place where students feel empowered to participate in the democratic process,” Torres explained. “Having an astronaut speak about the future reminds us that the choices we make today can take us to new horizons.”
Community response and next steps
Students left the event energized, with many signing up for voter registration drives scheduled later this month. Campus leaders plan to host additional workshops on ballot preparation, candidate research, and the mechanics of early voting in El Paso County.
Local civic groups have praised EPCC’s effort, noting that encouraging voter turnout among young adults aligns with broader community goals of strengthening families and upholding constitutional freedoms. The event also underscores the college’s commitment to fostering a generation that values both faith and civic duty.
As the “Vote for Freedom” tour continues across the country, EPCC’s partnership with Astronauts For America demonstrates how local institutions can play a pivotal role in national civic engagement, reminding young Texans that their voices matter now and for generations to come.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
