In a ballroom at Jackson State University, Thompson and a few dozen students gather their chairs in a circle for an open discussion on the importance of voting.
The Hinds County native has met with college students across the state this week to encourage them to vote -- but also how to best organize on campus to increase voter registration in the run up to the 2024 Presidential Election and beyond.
Thompson says that especially in this election, increased participation is crucial.
“I’m glad that our students are interested in what’s going on in the country. The largest voting precinct in Hinds County is on this campus, so it’s an opportunity for student voices to be heard by voting,” he told MPB News. “It’s an opportunity also for them to talk to me about what’s going on with them, in Washington and in the world.’
Students from both of Thompson's alma maters -- JSU and Tougaloo College -- attended the event, and asked the congressman for feedback on specific plans they have for driving electoral engagement among their peers.
Morgan Stanley, a sophomore studying Biology at Tougaloo, says he plans to run for Student Government President, and intends to use some of Thompson's lessons to improve voter registration on his campus.
“If we don’t vote, they win, and if they win, we lose. One of the biggest things I took from that is that it’s our job to push our constituents to get out and vote,” he said. “That means we need to have forums or events that push people to come out and vote ans get registered. If we don’t have a voice then we can’t push for change.”
College student voting participation jumped more than 60% nationally in 2020.
