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 has 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 has earned the Highly Established Action Plan Seal, recognizing campuses leading the way with innovative strategies to increase democratic engagement on their campus.
The Redbird Voter Guide has been updated with links to key voter information, including details on 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.
Events planned for the season include the interactive workshop “Conceptual Foundations of Free Speech and Academic Freedom” with Lara Schwartz of PEN America on August 30, a Constitution Day event on September 17 with Letina Brady Pettis, Issues & Advocacy Director of the League of Women Voters of Chicago, and the International Seminar Series. Upcoming election-related programming can be found on the News and Events section of the Center for Civic Engagement website. The Center is hosting an Open House on Thursday, August 15, from 3-6 p.m. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to stop by anytime during the open house to explore voter engagement resources and learn more about civic engagement opportunities.
Instructors and students can request a presentation to learn more about voting. Presentations can range from 5 to 45 minutes and be delivered in classes, registered student organizations (RSO), and department meetings. They cover a range of topics but usually target general voter information and the importance of voting. Deliberative Dialogues may also be requested to guide class or University group conversations on a political topic with trained facilitators.
Casting your ballot
While election day falls on November 5, 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 at the same time they choose to vote early or vote on Election Day. The Redbird Voter Guide has information on registering 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 from 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 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, November 5, 2024. 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, make “I Voted!” buttons, and share their participation with props to celebrate their voting experience at CCE’s Celebration Station just outside the Brown Ballroom.
