JCC Student Receives 2026 ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Award

Jefferson Community College (JCC) student, Ben Ramer of Watertown, has been selected for the 2026 National Student Voting Honor Roll as a leader in nonpartisan campus civic engagement. Ramer, one of 168 students selected across the country, is being recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) for his contributions to creating a more civically engaged culture within his campus community. From civic learning to voter participation, members of the National Student Voting Honor Roll lead by example and empower their peers to become lifelong participants in democracy. 

“Being named to the National Student Voting Honor Roll shows that no matter what challenges someone faces, if they stay determined and don’t let obstacles stand in their way, they can achieve their goals and be a voice for others,” said Ramer. “Civic engagement is important to me because people of all races and backgrounds may feel their voices aren’t heard. By stepping up and representing them, we can help ensure everyone feels valued and supported.” 

“We are incredibly proud of Ben for earning a place on the 2026 National Student Voting Honor Roll,” said Daniel J. Dupee, II, College President. “At a time when participation in our democracy is more important than ever, Ben’s work underscores the fundamental right to vote and the civic duty we all share to make our voices heard. He is helping to empower his peers to become informed, engaged citizens, and that impact will extend far beyond our campus.”

“Ben’s efforts to inspire voter participation and civic learning among his peers embody the very best of what it means to be an engaged citizen, and we are honored to have him represent our campus on a national stage,” said Matthew Gorman, Director of Student Life.

“From hosting registration drives to initiating conversations with classmates in the hallway, our 2026 Student Voting Honor Roll is filled with students who exemplify what it means to be a leader in civic engagement,” said Jen Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “As college students face increasing barriers to voting while on campus, these students are making nonpartisan voter participation a lifelong habit for themselves, their peers and their campuses. We are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and excited to see their continued impact as we approach this year’s midterm elections.” 

Ramer served as vice president of the Student Government Association and contributed over 10 hours encouraging his peers to register to vote during his time at Jefferson. He graduated in December 2025 with an associate degree in sports management and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the field at SUNY Cortland.

In 2024, Jefferson was recognized by ALL IN for its nonpartisan democratic engagement efforts, which contributed to high levels of student voter participation in the 2022 midterm elections. The College received the 2022 New York State Campus Voting Challenge Award for Most Improved Voting Rate among community colleges.

ALL IN supports more than 1,000 campuses and 10 million students nationally to make nonpartisan civic engagement an ongoing part of campus life. Members of the 2026 Student Voting Honor Roll were nominated by campus leaders for their dedication and excellence in voter education, registration and turnout in 2025. The full list of 2026 Student Voting Honor Roll award winners is available on the ALL IN website.

About Jefferson Community College
Established on November 7, 1961, Jefferson Community College was the area’s first institution of higher education. Supervised by the State University of New York (SUNY), Jefferson offers more than 50 associate degrees, certificates, and microcredentials for career preparation and transfer. The college also provides local access to bachelor’s and advanced degrees through partner institutions; lifelong learning through workshops and seminars; business and industry training; community-based research; forums for the productive discussion of ideas and regional issues through the Center for Community Studies; and cultural enrichment opportunities that serve the entire tri-county region—Fort Drum’s military installation among them. Jefferson, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, currently serves approximately 2,400 students, many of whom are service members and their families. 

About the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge 
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student civic engagement. Through an intentionally designed program that provides structure, support, and recognition, ALL IN works to improve civic learning, voter participation, and ongoing engagement in our democracy at more than 1,000 campuses nationwide. ALL IN believes higher education should play a role in developing an active and informed citizenry by educating students, motivating them to engage in American democracy, and instilling the value of lifelong participation. ALL IN is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 

About Civic Nation
Civic Nation is an impact hub for ideas, leaders, and initiatives that strengthen civic culture, power, and participation. Rooted in purpose and powered by people, Civic Nation brings together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders, brands, and influencers to take on the biggest issues of our time. Civic Nation is home to five national initiatives: ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Change Collective, It’s On Us, We The Action, and When We All Vote.