• The deadline to register to vote is 22 days before the election. Register to vote or check your voter registration status via Vote.org or the Andrew Goodman Foundation.
• VCU students have the choice between registering to vote at their permanent address or at their on-campus address. While voting on campus is usually easier, some students may choose to register at their parent’s address if they have a special interest in elections back home or feel that their vote will count more. Every time your address changes, you must re-register.

The Virginia Department of Elections is encouraging voters to protect their health during COVID-19 by voting absentee.

THREE WAYS TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT:

1. Apply for an absentee ballot online and paperlessly by clicking here.
2. Call your local registrar's office and ask them to send you an absentee ballot. You can look up your local registrar's number here. The number for Richmond's Office of the General Registrar is (804) 646-5950. Please note that Richmond's Registrar's Office is closed to the public for business because the City of Richmond is closed. During the closed period, please call Richmond 311 at (804) 646-7000 and they will send the Registrar's Office a message.
3. Download and print the absentee ballot application form the website. All paper absentee application forms can be found here. Once you complete the application, return it by mail or email a scanned copy to your registrar's office.

Before Election Day, learn about the candidates and make a voting plan. Consider the following questions:

• Who or what am I voting for? You can preview your ballot and find nonpartisan candidate information via Vote 411 or the Andrew Goodman Foundation.
• Will I vote absentee? If so, check the “No excuses, vote absentee” section above. 
• If I plan to vote in person, where do I need to go to vote? You must vote at your designated polling location, which you can check here.
• How am I getting there? While polling places around VCU are generally within easy walking distance, you may need to find another means of transportation. Make a plan well before Election Day.
• Given my schedule on Voting Day, at time will I be able to vote? Polls in Virginia are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For Students: The VCU Votes Student Coalition is a network of VCU students dedicated to promoting voter engagement on campus. VCU Votes coordinates campus-wide voter engagement events, provides voter education, and works to make VCU the most voter-friendly campus it can be. Join our group on RamsConnect to stay connected with events this fall, including National Voter Registration Day, debates, watch parties, and much more! Our team is here to help you navigate your civic duty while in college. 

For Faculty & Staff: The VCU Votes Advisory Council is an active group of faculty, students, and staff members that coordinates campus-wide voter engagement events, provides voter education, and works to make VCU the most voter-friendly campus it can be. You can contact the Council at vcuvotes@gmail.com to learn more and to get involved. You can also schedule a classroom visit from VCU Votes and receive information on how to help your students become and stay engaged as voters. 

For Everyone:

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Read and discuss the 2020-21 VCU Common Book, One Person, No Vote.