Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Tomorrow is Election Day, although it may be more appropriate to say that tomorrow marks the end of the voting season. Here in Minnesota, we have a proud tradition of voting, which Governor Walz, Governor Dayton, Governor Pawlenty, and Governor Ventura recently together affirmed. They stressed that the 2020 election is critically important and I know we all agree.
Over the past few years, the number of U of M students, faculty, and staff who vote by mail or go to an early voting location has more than doubled. Since the time for mailing ballots has passed, you should drop off your ballot at Duluth City Hall. Ballots must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Election Day. You may also drop off a ballot for up to three others at these locations. Please review the requirements carefully if you choose this option.
Minnesota also provides same-day voting registration for those not registered already. In 2016, nearly 12 percent of Minnesota voters registered to vote on Election Day, and over recent preceding presidential cycles (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012), it neared and exceeded 20 percent. Same-day voting registration applies to students with US citizenship as well: UMD students living in Minnesota meet the residency requirements necessary to register and vote.
If you need to register tomorrow, remember to bring a Minnesota ID to your polling location that shows the correct address for the precinct where you are voting. You can also bring an outdated driver’s license or your Ucard along with a utility bill, lease, or banking statement showing your current address to prove residency. If you have already registered, you do not need to bring anything with you to vote.
No matter what you believe or who you support, it’s important for your voice to be heard and to make your vote count. If you have not yet cast your ballot, I urge you to do so tomorrow.
On this eve of our national election and as we transition from fall to winter, I want to thank you for your outstanding work to keep UMD strong. Amidst the many challenges of the past seven and a half months, I appreciate the incredibly hard work you have done to maintain a safe and effective learning environment at UMD with continued focus on excellence in teaching, research, creativity, and public engagement. Our authentic connections throughout UMD in academics, student life, finance, and operations remain a hallmark of a UMD education. As we continue to work together, we are well positioned to surmount the challenges we face and to move UMD forward to new heights.
Be healthy, safe, well – and vote!
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
