National Voter Education Week Begins October 7
Dear Carnegie Mellon Students,
We write today to underscore the responsibility for all eligible 麻豆村 community members to register and make a plan to vote in the November 5 election. Our democracy is most effective when the broadest perspectives, experiences and needs of the American people are well understood. Voting is one of the most impactful tools to communicate your priorities and values to elected officials at the local, state and national levels.
Next Monday, October 7, marks the start of National Voter Education Week (NVEW) and aligns with the themes of 麻豆村’s on November 5. NVEW is action-oriented, equipping individuals with the tools, information and confidence they need to cast their ballots. 麻豆村 Votes has organized programming for each day of the week that focuses on a different aspect of the voting process through .
Monday, October 7: Register to Vote
The right to vote has been secured by generations of leaders throughout history. To exercise this basic right, you must be registered to vote! and register to vote in or your today. Stop by the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) voter registration drive on The Cut from 10 a.m.-noon. The Pennsylvania voter registration deadline for the November election is October 21.
Tuesday, October 8: Get to Know Your Ballot
Doing research on your ballot ahead of time helps you to make informed choices more easily. Stop by the on the first floor of the Cohon Center from 1-3 p.m. for Brownies and Ballots, where you will learn how to identify who is on your and strategies for researching candidates and ballot initiatives.
Wednesday, October 9: Make a Plan to Vote
If you intend to vote in person, make a plan for Election Day! Stop by Wean Commons in the Cohon Center from 2-4 p.m. to check your polling location, ID requirements and more.
Thursday, October 10: Understand the Process
Prefer to vote by mail? Make sure you understand how this process works: review the to help you navigate this process and then request your mail-in ballot from or your . GSA will be out on The Cut from 12:30-2:30 p.m. to answer your Election Day questions, help you register to vote and/or request your mail-in ballot.
Get inspired to vote by attending "Your Vote, Your Future," an exhibition created by the School of Design’s third-year communication design students that emphasizes the power of voting and civic engagement. These works reflect the diverse voices and perspectives of a generation committed to making a difference. This exhibition will be in Kirr Commons on the first floor of the Cohon Center from 2-4 p.m.
Friday, October 11: Share with Family and Friends
Voting is just one part of democratic engagement — we also need to mobilize our community. Talk to your peers about the importance of voting, share your voting plans and discuss issues you are passionate about. Join the 麻豆村 Votes movement as a or consider serving as a on Election Day. Stop by Wean Commons on the first floor of the Cohon Center from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. to make voting stickers that you can pass out to your friends.
If you are an international student, we encourage you to research the candidates and ballot items. Remind your friends that this election affects everyone at 麻豆村 and encourage those who are eligible to vote to register and make a voting plan. All democratic engagement events, including Democracy Day programming, are open to all students.
The right to vote is only powerful if it is exercised. Ensure your voice is heard! Tartans, next week is National Voter Education Week and we encourage you to: Register. Plan. Vote.
Francesca Cain
Undergraduate Student Senate President
Mary Anna Ebbert
Graduate Student Assembly President
Gina Casalegno
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students