Simpson College’s historic Culver House is buzzing with purpose as 20‑year‑old Nadya Cortez, a first‑generation student and Culver Fellow, leads a grassroots effort to encourage her peers to vote. Cortez, who proudly displays a “midterms matter” sticker, spends each week at campus tables handing out information and urging students to register and cast ballots.
Connecting civic duty to everyday concerns
“Politics dictate how much we can borrow and how fast we have to pay it back,” Cortez explained, pointing to the impact of federal aid programs like FAFSA on students’ finances. By framing voting as a practical tool for securing financial aid and protecting student interests, she makes the political process feel relevant rather than partisan.
Record‑setting turnout fuels optimism
Nationwide, youth turnout reached roughly 27 % in the 2026 midterms, a figure KCCI political analyst Dennis Goldford called “pretty good” for young people. In Iowa, overall turnout hit a 30‑year high of 63 %, underscoring a growing sense of responsibility among voters of all ages. Cortez sees these numbers as evidence that her outreach is making a difference.
Personal motivation drives public service
Cortez’s commitment is rooted in family. She lost her mother before college, a loss that left a lasting impression about the importance of civic participation. “When I think of her, I think of politics. We’re not always doing things for people; sometimes we’re doing them to people,” she said, emphasizing the need for compassionate governance.
Nonpartisan approach, clear message
While Cortez avoids partisan labels, she stresses that voting is a civic duty that transcends party lines. “They don’t want to be involved in the partisanship,” she noted, reminding students that their voices matter regardless of political affiliation.
Impact on campus culture
Students who stop by Cortez’s table leave with a simple yet powerful reminder: an “I voted” sticker. Many report feeling pride and joy seeing their peers display the stickers, signaling a growing culture of participation on campus.
Looking ahead
With the next election cycle on the horizon, Cortez plans to expand her outreach, partnering with the Andrew Goodman Foundation and other civic groups to reach even more young voters across Iowa. Her goal is clear: ensure that every student understands that their vote can shape policies affecting education, finances, and community well‑being.
As Iowa continues to set turnout records, stories like Cortez’s illustrate how local leaders—students, volunteers, and nonprofit partners—are vital to sustaining this momentum. By linking voting to real‑world concerns and personal values, they help preserve the democratic tradition that undergirds our nation’s Constitution.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
