UHCL becomes a polling location
UHCL is a polling location for the 2020 election, the first time ever in the history of the university.
Dillion Nash, coordinator of organizations and activities in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, shared the reasoning behind making the campus a polling location.
“The opportunity to have a polling site on our campus was a no-brainer in order to continue to support our students and their experience to become civically engaged global citizens,” Nash said.
When and where to vote
Voters can cast their ballots at UHCL during early voting and on Election Day. Early voting will take place in the Garden Room on the following days and times:
- Oct. 13-17, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 18, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 19-24, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 25, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 26-29, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Oct. 30, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Election Day, voting will take place in the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additional polling locations in Harris and neighboring counties can be found at VoteTexas.gov.
What safety precautions are in place?
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the voting process will differ from previous years. To prevent the spread of the virus, Harris County election officials will sanitize polling booths and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for voters. The equipment available will include masks, hand sanitizer and finger cots. Voters are encouraged to wear a mask while on campus and in the polling location but are not required to.
“UHCL will continue to remain a safe and healthy campus, which means face coverings and social distancing remain in place for staff, faculty and students,” said Patrick Cardenas, director of Student Involvement and Leadership. “As for community members, in this case voters, Governor Greg Abbott’s office issued an executive order that encourages face coverings when voting, but does not require them.”
Cardenas addressed how students and faculty should be models for visitors coming to vote on UHCL campus.
“We as Hawks must lead by example and continue to wear our masks and socially distance ourselves in the voting areas on campus,” Cardenas said. “By doing so, we are protecting our health and the health of our visitors.”
Why should students vote on campus?
Stephen Cherry, associate professor of sociology, said a healthy democracy is one where a country’s diverse population and ideas are represented by the leaders, and this only happens when the overwhelming majority of its citizens vote. InsideHigherEd.com reported that in 2018, the percentage of college students who voted more than doubled compared to the previous midterm election.
“Much of this increase was a direct result of efforts to encourage registration and provide easier access to on-campus voting locations,” Cherry said. “Should UHCL do the same? Absolutely, especially with so much controversy over voter suppression. It is important that students realize that they can play an important role in shaping the future of the country by making their voices heard.”
SGA President Hiba Loya said students should vote so the rest of the country can hear them.
“This country has a long way to go as we strive to form a more perfect union,” Loya said. “It is imperative for college students to exercise their right to vote to make their voice heard. Students vote at lower rates than the national average for all Americans. This needs to change.”
Loya stated that student votes can make the college experience better for those who face issues such as student loan interest rates, educational standards and admission policies.
“Politicians will not address student needs without student votes,” Loya said. “We need to speak up and play a role in shaping the social agenda that will affect us and future generations.”
Important information for voters
All voters registered in Harris County can vote on campus. Texas voters must present one of the following acceptable forms of photo ID upon arrival at a polling location:
- Texas Drivers License*
- Texas Election ID Certificate*
- Texas Person ID Card*
- Texas Handgun License*
- U.S. Citizenship Certificate with Photo
- U.S. Military ID Card with Photo*
- U.S. Passport* (Book or Card)
*For voters aged 18-69 years, photo ID can be expired for up to four years. For voters aged 70 and older, photo ID can be expired for any length of time if otherwise valid.
To view the ballot and print a sample specific to one’s district, visit Vote411.org. The site will explain the roles of elected positions, provide biographical information on candidates as well as their perspectives on applicable issues. Print a sample ballot and bring it to make voting at the polling booth easy.
Voters should remember that apparel featuring images and graphics of political slogans, candidates or parties is not allowed at polling locations. Additionally, cell phones and other wireless communication devices are prohibited within 100 feet of the polling location. For additional information about voter ID, polling locations, important dates and one’s rights as a voter, visit VoteTexas.gov.
