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Election 2020 – Vote!

October 27, 2020

Dear Rutgers Students, 

Throughout this nation’s history, Americans have fought and died for the right to vote. As I stated in a recent conversation with other college presidents about student voting rights in 2020, we honor their sacrifices when we vote. Indeed, in recent days we’ve seen our fellow citizens in states around the country willing to wait hours to cast their ballots and make their voices heard.

Rutgers students, I encourage you to carry out the legacy of those who have fought for your right to cast your ballot by following through on your plan to vote—on or before Tuesday, November 3.

You can visit RU Voting National for clear information on how to vote this year.

For Rutgers students voting in New Jersey, voting will be different than in past years.

  • All active registered voters should have received their mail-in ballot by now.
  • If you haven’t received your ballot, act now and contact your county clerk.
  • Once you have your ballot, fill it out correctly (see this video for guidance).
  • Submit your official ballot by or before Election Day—Tuesday, November 3 in one of the following ways (see this video for guidance):
  • Place it in the mail – it must be postmarked by November 3
  • Place it in a secure Dropbox in your county (Rutgers students voting in Middlesex county can submit their ballot in the Dropbox at the Yard)
  • Drop off in person at your county Board of Elections office
  • Submit your ballot on Election Day at your designated polling location
  • New Jersey registered voters also will have the ability to vote in-person at their polling location using a provisional ballot

Keep in mind that because of the change in the voting process this year in states across the country, we may not know the outcome of the election on November 3 and thus will need to demonstrate patience and civility as we wait.

For more voting information specifically for Rutgers students, visit RU Voting Rutgers or the New Jersey Voter Information Portal. Contact Jessica Ronan at the Eagleton Institute of Politics’ Center for Youth Political Participation with questions (jronan@eagleton.rutgers.edu, 848-932-8203). 

Honor those who have ensured your right to vote by exercising that right—this year and every year. In a democracy, voting consistently and in large numbers is the best way to make things better for our fellow citizens.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Holloway
President and University Professor