Royals Vote | The University of Scranton
The University of Scranton recognizes the importance and duty that we each have to ourselves and our nation to participate in the civic process of voting for our elected officials. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 8th (PA polls open from 7 am - 8 pm). The Office of Community Relations, in partnership with The University of Scranton Student Government, has compiled a list of voter resources to help guide students as they prepare to engage in their civic duty to make their voices heard in elections and to continue to engage with our civic process.
Ensure you are ready to vote: check your voter registration, make a voting plan, and make your voice heard by casting your ballot. The resources in this guide offer an Election Day Voter Resource Guide, Voting Information, and Information on Election Related Events. Students with questions on this guide can reach out to The University of Scranton Student Government or contact the Office of Community Relations at community@scranton.edu.
Election Day Voter Resource Guide
Voting Questions?
If you have voting questions and don't know what to do we're here to support you! University of Scranton students can email: community@scranton.edu or call: 570-941-4419 with any voting questions.
Voting Information
"People in every nation enhance the social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citizens." - Pope Francis
Verify Your Voter Registration
Before you head to the polls to vote in any upcoming elections, be sure to verify your voter registration is up to date. Remember, you must vote where you are registered to vote. The voter registration verification process is simple. If you have any questions, we are here to help!
Am I Registered to Vote?How to Vote
Now that you're registered to vote, the next step is to creating your voting plan. A good way to create your voting plan is to think about where you will vote and how you plan to vote.
Find Your State & Local Elections Office
Be Election Day Ready
If you plan to vote in an upcoming election in person, consider how you will get to your polling location and what you need to once you get there, such as a mask or supplies or an ID if it is your first time voting at polling location. PA voters can see accepted ID for voting here.
Voter Registration Deadlines
Research the Ballot
Voting, especially in municipal and local elections, can seem intimidating if you are unfamiliar with the process or uncertain about what to expect on the ballot. Before upcoming elections, make sure to take the time to reflect on your own values and research what to expect on the ballot. Consider the candidates and their platforms. A great way to prepare is to set aside a little time to research what to expect on the ballot.
Where and How to Vote
As you create your voting plan, it's important to consider where and how you plan on voting. Does your state allow early voting? Are you planning to request a mail-in ballot? Where is your polling location?
You can also learn more about how to get others involved in our political process to help increase participation in our political process along. When We All Vote, a nonpartisan effort launched in 2018 by co-chairs Michelle Obama, Tom Hanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janelle Monae, Chris Paul, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, aims to change the culture around voting using a data-driven and multifaceted approach to increase participation in elections and provides information to help make voters aware of their voting rights. Democracy for All is another nonpartisan organization that seeks to connect and involve all people and communities, especially those traditionally underrepresented, in the democratic process.
Election Related Events
Examen for Civic Life
As we continue to prepare for upcoming local elections as a University community, the Office of Campus Ministries invites you to pray reflectively together. Using the Examen, a prayer exercise rooted in the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, we will together pray to discern and reflect in specific ways about the interrelationship between Gospel values and political engagement. Students, administrators, faculty, and staff lead this video prayer experience that you can view on The University of Scranton YouTube channel here.
The National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE)
2020 The National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE)
The National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) offers colleges and universities an opportunity to learn their student registration and voting rates and is a part of Tufts University's Institute for Democracy & Higher Education.
The University of Scranton is proud to report that student voting on its campus increased significantly in the 2020 presidential election, rising to 73.1% in 2020 from a rate of 50.6% in 2016 and 7 points above the 66% 2020 student national average. The University also increased voter registration rates, with 86.7% of eligible voters registering compared to the 83% national average.
ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge 2020
The University of Scranton Earns Gold Seal for Voting During the 2020 Election
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. During the 2020 election cycle, The University of Scranton participated in the ALL IN Challenge 2020 encouraging students to register to vote, many for the first time, research candidates and causes, and cast their ballots, in-person, by mail, via secure drop box, or early if possible, during the election. The Royals delivered this election cycle with 73.1% voting rate, earning the University a Gold Seal from the ALL IN Challenge. You can view the 2020 Action Plan and learn more about the ALL IN Challenge here.
