“If a young person wants to spread information, they can—and that’s really important for voters,” Says UCF Volunteer

Ernest Cook, a University of Central Florida student, joined VoteRiders’ Florida Letter-Writing Party to make an impact ahead of the 2024 general election. At the event, he learned key details about Florida’s complex voter ID laws and wrote personalized letters to voters. He believes organizations like VoteRiders play a vital role in empowering students to engage in democracy and support their communities. 

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — DECEMBER 11, 2024

Ernest Cook, a University of Central Florida (UCF) student, was exploring various campus opportunities online when he found VoteRiders’ Florida Letter Writing Party — an event designed to deliver essential voting information to Florida voters ahead of the 2024 general election. Having voted only once before, Ernest saw this as a chance to deepen his understanding of the voting process while making a real impact during a pivotal election year. 

The in-person event began with a brief presentation about Florida’s confusing and restrictive voter ID law. While he already knew that Florida requires voters to present photo ID at the polls, he wasn’t aware of some nuances. 

“I didn’t know you could use a UCF student ID — which doesn’t have a signature — to vote as long as you pair it with something that does have your signature, like a debit card,” he explained.

Ernest also learned about the broader impact of voter ID laws, including how they vary by state and disproportionately impact marginalized groups, including students. While he hasn’t personally encountered anyone who has been tripped up by voter ID laws, he’s heard stories of voters being turned away. 

“I’ve heard about people showing up to vote with just a student ID and they’re told they can’t vote,” he said. “Mostly voter ID laws just act as a restriction to people that may not be fortunate enough to get an ID.” 

Equipped with this new knowledge, students were then given one-page guides with key election dates, a list of acceptable IDs for voting in Florida, and information about VoteRiders’ free ID resources. Below these details, students wrote personalized nonpartisan notes to each letter recipient. Ernest appreciated the opportunity to add a personalized touch to his outreach and made his letters stand out with colorful markers, stickers, and words of thoughtful words about the power of voting.

“It gives more of that connection than other election mail,” he recalled. “That other stuff is not personalized, it feels very copied and pasted.” 

Inspired by the event, Ernest decided to write an op-ed for his Introduction to News Writing class, focusing on the importance of voting and highlighting VoteRiders’ efforts to build a stronger and more representative democracy. In the piece, he interviewed a classmate who also attended the event and was preparing to vote for the very first time. 

“They just turned 18 and they enjoyed learning all these things about voter ID and being able to help others vote,” Ernest said.

“Students can play a key part in civic engagement because they’re the most well-versed in how to spread voting information over the internet — through social media and whatnot. If a young person wants to spread information, they can — and that’s really important for voters.”

For Ernest, the event was a reminder of the unique power young people have to mobilize their communities. 

“Voting is the only way to officially make your voice heard,” Ernest said. “You can attend demonstrations and what not and make your voice heard that way, but if we’re talking officially, you got to vote — it’s the only way to get your opinion counted.” 

Looking ahead, Ernest is eager for more students to join VoteRiders and engage in the civic process. 

“I really think volunteering with VoteRiders can help you interact with your community,” he said. “It’s just a really good way to help people vote and exercise their civic right.”

If you or someone you know is looking for ID information or assistance, or are interested in volunteering with us, visit our website at VoteRiders.org to learn more.