Voting and Citizenship Responsibilities

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Constitution Day (Citizenship Day)

Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed annually on September 17. September 17 was selected for the celebration because the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the United States Constitution and present it to the American people on September 17, 1787.

The law establishing the present holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus spending bill of 2004. Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "Citizenship Day". In addition to renaming the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," the act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any kind.

Constitution Day also serves as a reminder to participate in the political process by exercising our right to vote.

Constitution Day Resources

Voter Registration

Wilkes University encourages all students to take seriously their responsibility, as citizens, to vote. The Office of Student Affairs annually distributes Voter Registration Information to students during New Student Orientation, places forms in various buildings throughout campus and hold an annual voter registration drive during Constitution Week in September.

It takes only minutes to register!  Any questions about voter registration may be directed to:

Dr. Mark Allen

Associate Vice President for Student Life and Success
Student Affairs

Passan Hall Thir Floor
mark.allen@wilkes.edu
(570) 408-4103

Voter Resources