OC’s student-led PR firm launches 2020 Census and voting-registration campaign 

Eagle PR kicks off their “Your Vote, Our Future” campaign with multiple events in September and October.

September 20, 2020

Few times in U.S. history has a Census and a presidential election occurred in the same year like they are in 2020. Oklahoma Christian University students are rallying the community to take part in both this semester. Eagle PR, OC’s student-led PR firm, kicked off its “Your Vote, Our Future” campaign in September. The group’s goal is to increase the number of people who complete the U.S. Census, educate people on how to become a registered voter, and emphasize the importance of casting a vote in November.

Between Sep. 21, and Sep. 30, the Eagle PR team will host several events to reach students and employees. On the next two Mondays and Tuesdays, and again on Sept. 24 and 25, they’ll have a booth set up in the Garvey Center conservatory from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. where those attending chapel in Baugh can learn more about the Census and registering to vote. On Sept. 23, Eagle PR students will have a table in the student center set up from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to stop by the tables and ask any questions or learn more about the Census and voter registration, such as the deadlines and requirements. The Eagle PR team will set up again on Sept. 30 in the Brew; that is the last day anyone can complete the Census. On Oct. 2, OC’s Taking Sides debate chapel will discuss “Why students should vote” at 11 a.m. in Baugh Auditorium. 

Isa Woodson Rapp, Eagle PR’s director, spoke for the team when she stated that they’re up for the challenge of emphasizing the importance of completing the Census and voting. 

“The main focus of this campaign is to encourage others to make a difference in and beyond our communities,” Rapp said. “After not only observing but also living through the craziness that is 2020, we decided that now was the right time to begin a new campaign for the OC community to raise awareness about how we, as students, faculty, parents and more, can make a different. We want people at OC to know that their voice matters and their future matters.”

Associate Professor of Communication Josh Watson, the firm’s faculty advisor, wants to make known the fast-approaching deadlines of both the Census and voter registration in each state. For students from Oklahoma and Texas, the deadline to register to vote (in person or postmarked mail) is Oct. 9 and Oct. 5 respectively. Students from other states can find more voter registration information at www.yourvoteourfuture.org. 

“The deadlines are so close to each other that it just made sense to promote these civic responsibilities in September and October,” Watson said. "Eagle PR's fall campaign addresses the timely issues of encouraging the OC community to complete the U.S. Census and to register to vote. During a pandemic, some are choosing to vote by mail, so we wanted to provide clarity to anyone pursuing that option, too.” 

In addition to the events planned through Oct. 2, Eagle PR will host more events in the weeks following focused more on voter registration and early voting. To keep up with the campaign and track their progress, follow @oceaglepr on Instagram, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @OCEaglePR. Those interested can also find more information about the campaign at www.yourvoteourfuture.org. To learn more about Eagle PR, visit www.eaglepr.org.