The Election

November 1, 2024

Dear all,

We are preparing for next week’s election. It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be able to vote, and I hope everyone who is registered to vote does turn out. Did you know that voter turnout in 2020 according to the Pew Research Center was the highest it had been since 1900—with two-thirds of eligible voters voting? Let’s beat it this year!

Below you will find information about where and when to vote, how to help people register to vote, election rules, and post-election events on our campus.

Where and When to Vote

If you are registered to vote in Poughkeepsie, you may vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, in the Aula between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. I plan on being there early! Both the Vassar and Ward 6 election districts 2 and 3 of the Arlington communities may vote in the Aula.

This video from Vassar Votes shows the ways you can exercise your right to vote. As a student voter, you have the right to vote with your home address OR your school address. Vassar Votes is a non-partisan group that empowers Vassar students in the democratic process. Here is a poster on Vassar Votes’ Instagram with an overview of events on election day.

Helping to register voters in Poughkeepsie: THERE IS STILL TIME!

Do you want to get involved in voter engagement on campus? Email vassarvotes@vassar.edu to join the Dorm Voting Advisor Team. Dorm Voting Advisors engage voters, increase awareness of voting rights, and support learning about important voting issues.

Election Rules

As noted in the most recent Sunday email, we expect everything to go smoothly. The polling site rule is that people may not do electioneering within one hundred feet of the polling place entrance—meaning no banners, buttons, posters or other material can be displayed within that distance of the Aula or any polling site.

Post-Election Events

We recognize how challenging navigating feelings around this election may be. With that in mind, we are planning programming to provide spaces for people who wish to convene, process, and talk about the election after it happens.

• Circles for students: RSVP using the registration form for election circles for students happening November 1–8.
• Circles for staff, administrators, and faculty: A circle for staff, administrators, and faculty will be co-facilitated by Dean Luis Inoa and Amanda Munroe on Zoom on Friday, November 8 from 3:30–5 p.m. Staff can attend and count the time toward work hours with their supervisor’s agreement.

Additionally, faculty and students from Political Science are planning an event for Friday November 22, which will feature candidates, faculty, and community members discussing the election. Contact Professor Taneisha Means at tmeans@vassar.edu for more information.

Please take care of yourself and each other; let’s stay connected to our support systems during this time. Campus resources and employee benefits are available.

Thank you,

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar