Chancellor Jones sent out a Massmail Thursday announcing Illinois’ state legislature has not designated Nov. 5, the day of the general election, as a University holiday. He also provides various resources for potential voters.
Students can register to vote by mail until Oct. 8, or online until Oct. 20. The process for voting by mail differs for Illinois residents compared to residents of other states. Out-of-state students can also review the online FAQ for further information.
“This fall, we encourage all eligible students, staff and faculty to make your voice heard with your vote,” Jones said in the Massmail.
Registering in-person during early voting is also available until Nov. 4 or in-person on Nov. 5. For those who vote in-person, appropriate documentation will be required in order to be eligible to vote.
Students, staff and faculty can vote in-person during early voting at the Illini Union starting Oct. 21. Numerous other Election Day voting sites are located on campus and can be found on the Illini Vote website.
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Jones also suggested students research candidates using online research resources provided by the University, and encouraged those interested in local polling stations to use the Champaign County Clerk webpage.
University employees are expected to vote during non-working hours. However, employees are granted up to two hours of paid leave to vote under specific circumstances, according to the Massmail.
“National elections push us to engage in difficult conversations on potentially divisive issues,” Jones said in the Massmail. “Listening to all ideas — even those we may oppose — makes us stronger thinkers and better participants in our communities.”
