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Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences Economics Political Science Undergraduate News

Every vote counts

SMU News

Originally Posted: September 21, 2o20

DALLAS (SMU) – The upcoming presidential election will be the first opportunity to vote for many SMU students, including Wilson Russ, and the University is lining up opportunities for these new voters to learn more about the process. But Russ is going to learn the election system from a very personal angle – by volunteering to serve as a poll worker on Nov. 3.

“I’m very excited to vote for the first time and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to serve as a poll worker during this turbulent 2020 year,” said Russ, a sophomore studying political science, public policy, economics. He answered a call for young volunteers to help fill the gaps left by older Americans who traditionally staff polling places, but who are absent this year because they are at higher risk for serious illness due to COVID-19.

“As someone with a fervent passion for politics, I am more than happy to stand in for those that may be at risk,” Russ said. “I believe it’s important for people to get out and vote, especially in elections such as this year’s, where a great deal appears to be at stake on both sides of the aisle.”

The deadline for registering to vote in Texas is Monday, Oct. 5. SMU Libraries has put together a step-by-step guide for students, which includes absentee voting options for students who are residents of other states.

Beginning this week SMU Libraries, the Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility, the Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement and SMU Athletics will host various events to encourage students to register to vote early or on election day for the 2020 U.S. general election.

The deadline for registering to vote in Texas is Monday, Oct. 5. SMU will host a polling location at Moody Coliseum on election day with free parking available for the community in Moody and Binkley parking centers. Please see more details in the Nov. 3 calendar item below.

Early voting will be available from Tuesday, Oct. 13 through Friday, Oct. 30. The two locations closest to campus are at University Park United Methodist Church at 4024 Caruth Blvd (1.7 miles from campus) and Our redeemer Lutheran Church, 7611 Park Lane (2.47 miles from campus). Find all the early voting locations and the hours they are open at this Dallas County site.

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