Capitol News

The MSUvote initiative has launched a spring spotlight series aimed at maintaining political engagement on the Michigan State University campus and within the community. The series, despite 2025 not being a major election year, seeks to foster discussions on various policy issues.

Organized by MSUvote, a nonpartisan coalition that promotes democratic engagement and voting, the series will commence with an event titled “How We Got Here: Understanding the 2024 Election and What Comes Next.” This event is scheduled for February 20 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center's Lincoln Room from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Participants can register online to attend.

“There’s a lot of energy, a lot of fervor around major elections. In off years, that attention and connection to issues can wane,” said Suchitra Webster, co-director of MSUvote and director of the Office of Community and Student Relations. “This series helps our campus and community to remain consistently engaged and aware.”

Matt Grossmann, director of MSU’s Institute for Public Research and Social Policy, will moderate the discussion featuring experts from both MSU and other organizations. Panelists include Nura Sediqe from MSU’s Department of Political Science; Mark Grebner, a political consultant, attorney, and Ingham County commissioner; and Garland “Rusty” Hills from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

“I look forward to moderating what I am sure will be an engaging and robust conversation,” said Grossmann. “We will break down the results from the 2024 election, and here in Michigan, the focus is already shifting to our gubernatorial race and now open U.S. Senate seat. Michigan will be at the center of determining how the mid-term elections will fair.”

Further information about upcoming events in this series will be shared with the community through various channels once details are finalized. For inquiries or topic suggestions, individuals can contact msuvote@msu.edu.