Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff Members,

Did you know that according to the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement from Tufts University, 56.6% of eligible Swarthmore students voted in the 2018 midterm election? While significant, I know we can do better.

I am grateful to the College’s nonpartisan Get Out the Vote (GOTV) committee of faculty, staff, and students for its ongoing efforts to increase student turnout, especially for all they will do in the coming weeks and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Here are a few things you can do:

1. Register to vote if you are eligible and have not yet done so. The registration deadline in Pennsylvania is Monday, Oct. 24. The voter registration office must have your application by then. If you are a student who plans to vote in Swarthmore, you must include the name of your residence hall when registering. If you prefer a paper application, voting kits are positioned around campus including at the BCC, Essie Mae’s, IC, Matchbox, McCabe, Post Office, and Women’s Resource Center.
2. If you have registered, check your registration status to be sure it is correct.
3. If you are registered in your home state and are unable to return to vote in person, request your absentee ballot today.
4. Consider identifying a “voting buddy” so that you can remind each other to get to the polls on Election Day or mail in your ballot. If you are ineligible to vote, this is a great way to participate in the process.
5. If you don’t feel informed enough to vote, carve out a few minutes to learn more about the candidates and ballot initiatives. Here is a nonpartisan guide to candidates on the ballot in Pennsylvania. 
6. Be sure to vote! If you vote locally, make sure you know which polling location to use. GOTV will be stationed at the Rose Garden Circle on Election Day to provide rides to students who are voting in person. If staff members are unable to vote outside work hours, they will have paid time off to ensure they are able to vote and are encouraged to review the College’s updated Election Day Leave Policy for more information.
7. Please contact vote@swarthmore.edu with any questions.

This mid-term election is an opportunity to exercise your civic responsibility. Please join me in voting this year.

Sincerely,

Valerie Smith
President