Eagles Soar to the Polls, Make Their Voices Heard
Students, faculty and staff unite for early voting and Election Day initiatives, reinforcing Coppin State's commitment to civic participation.
BALTIMORE — Coppin State University students, faculty and staff came together for “Soar to the Polls,” a campus initiative encouraging civic engagement and voter participation during the 2026 midterm elections.
For Latakia Maldonado, a first-year pre-nursing student from Capitol Heights, Maryland, participating in the initiative on Nov. 3 marked an important milestone: casting her first ballot.
“Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves! Your vote matters, your future matters,” Maldonado said. She described voting for the first time as refreshing, knowing her participation could help shape the nation's future.
The initiative brought the Coppin community together for two walks to encourage voting. On Oct. 27, students, faculty and staff walked to the Baltimore City Community College South Pavilion on Liberty Heights Avenue for early voting. The initiative continued on Election Day, Nov. 3, when participants gathered at the Fanny Jackson Coppin Statue before walking to Robert W. Coleman Elementary School.
Before the Election Day walk, Coppin State President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D., encouraged students to recognize their influence in shaping society and the importance of making informed decisions.
“You are that change agent. You are that X factor. Don’t ever think your vote doesn’t count, because it does,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins also reflected on the generations who fought to secure voting rights, urging students to remain informed and engaged beyond Election Day.
“Soar to the Polls is an opportunity for our campus community to come together and put civic engagement into action,” said Loretta Campbell, director of student experience and organizer of the initiative, in remarks shared ahead of the events.
The initiative reflected the longstanding legacy of historically Black colleges and universities in advancing civic engagement and preparing generations of leaders committed to strengthening their communities.
For Coppin State, Soar to the Polls was more than an Election Day activity. It was a reminder that every voice has value, civic participation is a shared responsibility, and the next generation of leaders is already making its presence felt.
Event Highlight: Watch Eagle Nation Soar to the Polls
