With the 2024 general election approaching on November 5, the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) is offering resources for voting and promoting electoral participation so that students, along with the campus community, can vote and make informed decisions to elect candidates who best represent their interests.
“We have an excellent foundation of voter engagement as a nationally recognized Voter Friendly Campus,” said Katy Strzepek, CCE director. “I am excited for our team to continue to encourage students to learn about the electoral process and make their voices heard in the general election.”
Illinois State University recently earned the ALL IN’s Highly Established Action Plan Seal for its 2024 election cycle action plan. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a national, non-partisan initiative to increase student democratic participation on college and university campuses, with 1,036 participating institutions. Illinois State is one of 192 institutions that have earned the Highly Established Action Plan Seal, recognizing campuses leading the way with innovative strategies to increase democratic engagement on their campuses.
The Redbird Voter Guide is available at IllinoisState.edu/vote and has been updated with links to key voter information, including details on the candidates running and the different ways to vote. It includes a voter toolkit with nonpartisan resources for students, faculty, and staff looking to support electoral engagement and make informed decisions as they prepare to vote.
Instructors and students can also request a presentation to learn more about voting. Presentations can range from five to 45 minutes and be delivered in classes, registered student organization (RSO) meetings, and department meetings. They cover a range of topics but usually target general voter information and the importance of voting.
Casting your ballot
While Election Day falls on the first Tuesday in November, voters also have the option to vote by mail or vote early.
Voting by mail is a great option for those who may not be able to make it to their polling place or would rather take time at home to research. October 31 is the last day to request a Vote by Mail ballot electronically. Vote by Mail ballots must be dropped at a drop box or postmarked by Election Day.
For those who vote in person, Illinois allows voters to register to vote at the same time they choose to vote early or on Election Day. The Redbird Voter Guide has information on how to register to vote for both on-campus and off-campus residents.
Early voting on campus will take place at the Bone Student Center Founders Suite on weekdays October 21–November 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting will also be available at Eastland Mall and the McLean County Government Center beginning on September 26. Hours for those locations are available from the McLean County Board of Elections.
The Bone Student Center is also a vote center on Election Day. All McLean County voters, except those who live in Bloomington, can vote in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center on Election Day. Polling place hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. All those in line by 7 p.m. are entitled to vote. Students voting at the Bone Student Center on Election Day can take photos at CCE’s Celebration Station and share their participation with props to celebrate their voting experience.
