As part of Chatham's ongoing commitment to community and civic engagement, we're encouraging all community members to vote in the 2020 election. For more detailed information on getting registered to vote, please visit the Pennsylvania Center for Women & Politics’ voting resources page. The deadline to register to vote in the Pennsylvania General Election on November 3, 2020 is October 19, 2020. Mail-in and absentee ballot applications must be received by your county election office by 5:00 p.m. on October 27, 2020. In order to celebrate voting season, we chatted with some of our student voters to explore the ins and outs of how they exercise their civic duty. Check it out—
CLAIRE RAINES,
Social Work
Why do you choose to vote?
I vote because so many women fought for me to have the opportunity to vote. I vote for myself so that I continue to gain more rights as a woman, but also for my friends and neighbors who are Black and Indigenous People of Color, a part of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, living in poverty, and/or otherwise marginalized in this country. I vote so that they can have equity and live freely. I vote so that the United States has a future that I want to be a part of.
How do you vote?
I am voting by mail using my home address! Allegheny County has more drop boxes available on the weekends so I will be dropping my ballot off near my house in the North Hills.
If this isn’t your first-time voting, do you have any advice for first-time voters?
My advice for this election is to have a voting plan! It is super important. The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics, where I work, is a great resource if you have any questions. I would also advise that you research candidates before voting. This is super important—you want to choose the person whose policies you best align with.
Jack SCHMIEDLIN, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Why do you choose to vote?
It is my duty as an American citizen.
How do you vote?
In person via my college address
If this is your first-time voting, what are you most looking forward to?
Seeing how everything works
HALEY PLOTT, counseling psychology
Why do you choose to vote?
I choose to vote because I believe in participating in my democracy and I am dissatisfied with the current leadership of the country.
How do you vote?
I’m voting by mail but driving my ballot to a county drop box or board of elections office to ensure its safety.
If this isn’t your first-time voting, do you have any advice for first-time voters? Double check that you’re registered and that you know the dates for voting and returning the ballot. https://www.votespa.com/ is a great resource!
LALAH WILLIAMS, POLICY STUDIES
Why do you choose to vote?
My two main reasons to vote are because my life depends on it, and because so many have fought and died so I could. I don’t take my vote for granted. And I mean how cool is it that we, individually, have power in who represents us at the local, state, and national levels of government?
How do you vote?
The first time I voted was in the 2018 general election and I voted absentee. I went through a third-party organization to get my absentee ballot. As it got closer to the election, I had not heard from them. I called my mom and told her that I had not received an update about my ballot. We contacted our county Board of Elections and hustled to get my ballot to me in Pittsburgh.
That Saturday she had overnighted my ballot to me (along with an “I Voted” sticker) and I went to the UPS in Oakland to get it. I took my completed sample ballot with me and filled out my ballot right then and there. I put my completed ballot in a jumbo-sized Ziploc bag and made sure I didn’t forget it when I went to the on-campus Post Office on Monday morning. After I mailed it, I put on my “I Voted” sticker with pride. Who doesn’t like stickers? I was officially a voter. I was so excited to wear the sticker and mean it. When I was younger, I had gone to early voting with my parents and the poll worker would give me a sticker.
In April, my primary ballot was mailed to me. I filled it out at the kitchen table and when I was done my mom and I walked to the mailbox and cheered on others we saw mailing in their ballots too. For this upcoming election, I will be early voting in-person. I plan to be there before they open.
If this isn’t your first-time voting, do you have any advice for first-time voters?
If you’re ever confused about voting information, go to your county or state Board of Election website. All their information is official and you can even check your voter status.
MARS TOULOUMES, political science
Why do you choose to vote?
I choose to vote because it is my right and a simple way to have my voice heard! It is super important and one way we can enact change.
How do you vote?
I vote by mail and with my college address because I am here more than at home. How I vote will directly impact the community I am currently living in.
If this isn’t your first-time voting, do you have any advice for first-time voters?
Have a plan BEFORE you vote and if you want to apply for a mail-in ballot, you should definitely apply early so that you get it in time.
JORDAN SAPP, VISUAL ARTS
Why do you vote?
I am looking forward to doing what I can to better our country.
How do you vote?
This year, I am voting in-person because I have the ability to do so, living near campus. I don’t think it matters how you vote, as long as you vote.
For help registering to vote, updating your address, or obtaining an absentee or mail-in ballot, please contact the PCWP at pcwp@chatham.edu, contact your county's department of elections, or visit www.turbovote.org.
