University of Scranton Prepares for Midterm Elections
The U.S. midterm elections are fast approaching; the General Election is on Tuesday, Nov. 8, with Pennsylvania polls open from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. The last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania is Monday, Oct. 24. The University of Scranton recognizes the importance and duty that we each have to ourselves and our nation to participate in the civic process of voting for our elected officials. The campus-wide non-partisan Royals Vote initiative is here to help ensure that everyone on campus is registered and ready to vote.
Royals Vote Dedicated Voter Information Resource Website
The key to being election ready is to ensure an understanding of the democratic process of voting, including registering to vote or updating voter registration, knowing what to expect and what’s on the ballot, and being informed about the candidates and issues, along with voting rights. To offer education and resources, the Office of Community and Government Relations, in partnership with Student Government, created the Royals Vote dedicated voter information resource website at www.scanton.edu/royalsvote.
This website provides a step-by-step guide to ensure that everyone on The University of Scranton campus is ready and registered to vote. University of Scranton students may vote in Pennsylvania using their campus address. This page will offer the guidance and resources to help voters walk through the process of registering (check status and register today at www.vote.gov), researching the candidates and what’s on the ballot, reflecting on personal values and how they impact a vote, and providing information on voting rights. This site will continue to be updated with additional information and upcoming events leading up to Election Day.
Presidential Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation
This July, University of Scranton president Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J. signed the ALL IN Democracy Challenge’s Higher Education Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation. The University is committed to:
- striving toward full student participation,
- acknowledging the importance of student voice in all elections,
- preparing students to be informed active citizen,
- creating experiences to help students become lifelong voters, and
- empowering campus stakeholders to come together and determine solutions to the problems communities face.
PA House and Senate Debates Hosted on Campus
The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS), in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County, will host debates for PA House and Pennsylvania Senate candidates in October. All debates are presented free of charge and will take place in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center on the University’s campus.
The remaining dates and times of the debates and the candidates (listed alphabetically) are listed below.
The 114th Pennsylvania House seat: Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m.; David Burgerhoff (R) and Bridget Kosierowski (D).
The 118th state House seat: Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.; James Haddock (D) and James May (R).
The 22nd state Senate seat: Thursday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m.; Thomas Bassett (R) and Martin Flynn (D).
For more information, email ceeps@scranton.edu.
Drop-in Virtual Voting Information Sessions
Students with questions about registering to vote, voting using their campus address, or any other election-related questions can join a virtual drop-in session with Carolyn M. Bonacci, Community and Civic Engagement Coordinator on Friday, Oct. 21 from 3:30 – 4 p.m. Registration via Zoom required at: https://scranton.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYldOusqjgtHdBXjvGhSRZpgf2OuUJWIoBa
After registering, students will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting directly from Zoom.
There will be an additional drop-in session hosted on last-minute voting questions with Dr. JoyAnna Hopper, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and CEEPS co-director on Friday, Nov. 4 from 1 – 1:30 p.m. Registration required via Zoom at: https://scranton.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAuc-uhqDkjEtQlLwLM1KeB8Q4tidcPuRC1
After registering, students will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting directly from Zoom.
Pre-election Examen
Students are encouraged to reflect on their values, the issues that matter most to them, and to consider which candidates can best represent them. On Monday, Nov. 7, the evening before the midterm elections, Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., Vice President for Mission and Ministry will lead an “Examen for Civic Life” in DeNaples 405 at 7 p.m. for University of Scranton students. This open session will offer an opportunity to pause and reflect before election day and light refreshments will be provided.
Additional Ignatian on civic and democratic engagement, including resources from our national partner The Ignatian Solidarity Network, can be found in the tab at the bottom of the Royals Vote dedicated resource page at www.scanton.edu/royalsvote.
Campus Celebration of Voting
This year on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, the Office of Community and Government Relations in partnership with Student Government will host a “Celebration of Voting” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on The DeNaples Center Patio (inclement weather location, the Fireplace Lounge, 2nd floor, The DeNaples Center). University of Scranton students are encouraged to stop by to celebrate Election Day and make their voices heard. Whether students plan to vote by mail or in person, it’s important to honor participation in the democratic process of voting. Students are invited to stop by to enjoy refreshments, take a photo, and get an “I Voted” sticker.
More information will be posted in the coming weeks on the Royals Vote website and on the Office of Community Relations (@uofscommunity) and Student Government (@uofssg) Instagram accounts.
Motivation to Vote
The University of Scranton recognizes the importance and duty that we each have to ourselves and our nation to participate in the civic process of voting for our elected officials. Remeber that your voice matters and it's important that you make it heard by voting!
"I'm voting this year because of the importance of doing so in a swing state. For this midterm, all eyes are on Pennsylvania. I know that as young people, it feels like we've heard this again and again... but this one really feels like the election of our lifetime," said Karla Schaffer '24, intern in the Office of Community Relations and Civic Engagement and work study for the Office of Sustainability.
