This article was updated on Oct. 1.
Despite the challenges brought on by the global pandemic, each of us has a responsibility as citizens to vote in the upcoming election on Nov. 3. There are some important changes this year that I want to highlight and additional information at the links below.
This year, elections officials have provided new ways for your voice to be heard by taking advantage of mail-in voting or using a secure ballot drop-box. You may apply online for a Vote by Mail application here: https://chicagoelections.gov/en/vote-by-mail.html.
Once you receive and complete your ballot, remember to sign and seal the Ballot Return Envelope, if you are using the post office to send your ballot. Alternatively, you may bring your completed ballot in the signed, sealed Ballot Return Envelope to any early voting location. Secure ballot drop boxes will be available at every early voting site in Chicago. For those who may find the Loop more convenient, a secure drop box will be located at 69 W. Washington.
Early voting begins Oct. 1 at the Loop Super Site, 191 N. Clark St. The Loop Site will host early voting between Oct. 1 and 13. Early voting will begin in all 50 wards on Oct. 14 and run through Election Day, Nov. 3.
In Lincoln Park, the 43rd Ward Early Voting location has changed from prior years. Beginning Oct. 14 for the Nov. 3, 2020 general election, early voting will take place at Lincoln Park High School, 2001 N. Orchard. A secure ballot drop box will be located there. Please do not go to the Chicago Public Library branch at 1150 W. Fullerton. There will be no early voting in the 1150 Fullerton building this year.
Students who would like more information about voting can join DePaul's Voter Hub (https://dehub.campusgroups.com/vfc/home/). TurboVote also is available for students who need to register to vote. Sign up for TurboVote, and you will receive a completed registration form with a pre-addressed stamped envelope, making registering to vote as simple as signing a form, sealing an envelope and mailing it in. You may be able to register online, depending on your home state residency. You can also sign up for TurboVote to receive text and email reminders so you will never miss an election.
For more information on voting, including registration, additional early voting locations, important dates and more, Chicagoans should visit https://chicagoelections.gov/en/voting.html. Illinois residents outside of Chicago can contact the Cook County Clerk (https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/agency/elections) or the State Board of Elections (https://www.elections.il.gov/).
As we approach election day, I ask that you be mindful of DePaul's policies on political campaign activities. These are designed to foster civic participation, while protecting DePaul's nonpartisan position. It is important to keep them in mind to avoid the appearance that DePaul is engaged in inappropriate partisan campaign activity. These policies can be found online at the University Policies & Procedures page (please access using your Campus Connect login and password).
I encourage our entire DePaul community to actively engage in our political process. Now more than ever, I also ask that we engage with civility and respect for those with differing political beliefs. We are all entitled to our individual views on political candidates and campaigns. We can and should debate ideas, forcefully at times, but always with respect for the dignity of others. As Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."