Democracy does not run on autopilot—it runs on people. At the University of Houston-Downtown, student organizers and grassroots organizations are working hard to ensure students understand that their voices are heard through voting. Powered by People, an organization founded by former Congressman Beto O’Rourke, has collaborated with a newly founded student organization at UHD. Together, these organizations are helping ensure students have access to voter registration and civic engagement opportunities.
Recently, Beto O’Rourke visited campus during a Powered by People event to encourage youth and young adults to vote. As the founder of Powered by People, he spoke to potential voters and young people about civic engagement. One of the youths present at the event was Nic Baez, a junior at the University of Houston-Downtown majoring in political science. He is the founder of a student organization called UHD Democrats, and he plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin for law school after graduating from UHD. During the event, he shared some advice for eligible youth who can register or vote. He said,
“Go vote, your voice does matter.”
From volunteering to meeting elected officials, Powered by People has created many opportunities for young people. Such as Baez’s opportunity to volunteer for Beto O’Rourke and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was also former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 vice presidential running mate. Baez stated,
“The one-on-one conversations I have had with them keep me going. Powered by People do an amazing job at helping youth get registered to vote.”
There are many people who do not have the opportunity to vote. Those who are eligible should make use of their constitutional right to vote. As Baez said, “Go vote.” Beto’s presence on campus made a positive impact by encouraging students to get involved in upcoming elections, become informed voters and check their voter registration status. Getting involved helps strengthen democracy and allows students to be part of meaningful change.
Voters in Texas can check their registration status here.
