New ETSU Votes campaign enlists beloved Bucs to drive voter engagement. 

East Tennessee State University is encouraging everyone to vote this November — and they are enlisting the help of some of campus’s most beloved Buccaneers to share the message.  

During a voter registration drive earlier today, Bucky, ETSU’s fun-loving mascot, launched his campaign for “Best Buc” in an effort to raise awareness for upcoming election-related events and increase voter turnout. But Bucky soon learned that he will face some stiff competition. This afternoon, Pepper, ETSU’s adorable campus canine, challenged Bucky for the title, posting on her Instagram “who’s going to tell [Bucky] that the title of ‘Best Buccaneer’ is already taken?” 

Bucky and Pepper have partnered with ETSU Votes, a student voter registration and engagement program, to schedule a full lineup of events to support their campaigns and engage students in the electoral process:  

  • Tonight: Presidential Debate Watch Party at 7 p.m. in the East Tennessee Room 
  • September 17: Voter registration drive and campaign rally from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Borchuck Plaza 
  • September 26: Democracy Field Day at 6 p.m. in University Commons
  • October 8: Conversation with the Commissioner Candidates from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the East Tennessee Room  
  • November 5: Election Results Watch Party at 7 p.m. in the East Tennessee Room

“At ETSU, we strive to help our students become productive, well-informed, and engaged citizens,” Nathan Farnor, the advisor for ETSU Votes, said. “Ensuring that all Americans exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard is foundational to our democracy.”  

ETSU has repeatedly been recognized for its efforts to register voters and encourage civic engagement among its students. The university has been named a “Voter Friendly Campus” and, last year, was recognized by Secretary of State Tre Hargett for developing an innovative student-led social media campaign to encourage voter registration. Most recently, ETSU was recognized nationally by ALL IN for developing a comprehensive nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan. 

 To learn more about these initiatives, find details about how to register to vote, and find information on when and where to vote, visit etsu.edu/votes. 

Mock political poster of Pepper that reads, "Pepper for President of our hearts," and "etsu.edu/votes."

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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