COVID-19 Update

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Election 2020 - Register Now and Make a Plan to Vote

October 1, 2020

Dear Rutgers Students, 

In a year that has been like no other, our nation is preparing for an election like no other. Due to the public health emergency related to COVID-19, voter registration and Election Day practices have been altered in our state and across the country. College students are learning remotely and may be uncertain about how to participate in this election. Don’t lose your opportunity to make your power felt at the ballot box this year – register before your state deadline and find out how to cast your ballot.

Rutgers students and college students nationwide made significant gains in voter turnout in 2018 and are anticipated to vote in large numbers this fall. I urge you to exercise your rights – register and make a plan to vote now.

RU Voting National offers clear information to help college students nationwide register and cast their ballot. Voting in New Jersey will be different this year. Due to Executive Order 177, voting in New Jersey will be primarily by mail and Rutgers students need to have a plan:

  • Check your voter registration status    
  • Decide if you need to change the address where your ballot will be sent or register to vote for the first time 
  • If you need to change your address or register to vote for the first time, you must update or complete your voter registration by October 13 here
  • Receive, fill out, and submit your official ballot by or before Election Day—Tuesday, November 3 (be sure you fill your ballot out correctly – see this video for guidance)
  • Verify that your ballot was received and counted with the NJ Division of Elections

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).

Elections matter and our vote matters. Our vote determines who serves in office and makes the decisions that affect our lives. Make your voice heard and make a plan to vote today.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Holloway
President and University Professor