Letter from the President: Election Day

Dear Emerson students, faculty, and staff,

Election Day is less than two weeks away. Many of you may have already exercised your constitutional right to vote, at an early polling place or via mail-in ballot. Others will venture forth with a mask and vote in person on Tuesday, November 3.

No matter how you choose to cast your ballot, know that you are playing a critical role in keeping our democracy alive. Emersonians make their voices heard, particularly when the stakes are high, and I am confident and proud that our community members will fulfill their civic duty happily, and in great numbers.

To facilitate that, staff will be given a paid half-day off on Election Day in order to vote, volunteer at polling places, hold signs, or otherwise participate in the democratic process. This initiative is part of A Day for Democracy, a national non-partisan movement.

Students who elect to vote by mail can pick up free stamps at the student worker station at 172 Tremont or the Campus Life suite at Walker 411 during regular business hours. The Campus Vote Project offers state-by-state voting guides for college students.

How to Vote is an excellent resource for all community members, regardless of what method you choose. There you can find important deadlines, voting requirements, and links to sample ballots and polling locations for all 50 states, in English and Spanish.  

I also encourage you to visit emerson.edu, where a dedicated web page compiles voting resources, election-related campus events, and stories and insights on this campaign season from our talented community.

One of Emerson’s core values is civic engagement, and I can think of few acts of civic engagement more important than casting a ballot in a free election. Whether you’re volunteering at polling sites, providing transportation to voters, or simply showing up to vote, I thank you for doing your part.

Sincerely,
Lee