As we approach another important election season, we'd like to reflect on the significance of civic engagement and the powerful impact of exercising our right to vote.
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Dear Michigan Community,

As we approach another important election season, we'd like to reflect on the significance of civic engagement and the powerful impact of exercising our right to vote.

In November 2022, Michigan voters approved changes to the State of Michigan's constitution that enhances voting accessibility. These changes include a nine-day period of in-person early voting that allows voters to cast their ballots at designated early voting sites for state and federal elections. During the nine days of early voting, voters receive their ballot and submit them directly to the tabulator at the early voting site, just like Election Day itself. This amendment to the constitution demonstrates the power of the vote, as the implementation of nine days of early voting offers greater opportunity for Michigan voters to participate in the electoral process.

We are fortunate to have two Voting Hubs on campus this election season – the hub at the U-M Museum of Art and the hub at the Duderstadt Gallery that opens next week on October 21. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful resource. For those voting in the City of Ann Arbor, the Campus Voting Hubs serve as City of Ann Arbor Satellite Clerk's Offices. You can vote early, in-person, starting October 26 and through Sunday, November 3! On election day itself, those who are already registered to vote need to head to their polling precincts. Voting elsewhere in Michigan or out-of-state and have questions? The Campus Voting Hubs serve the whole U-M community. The friendly and knowledgeable peer mentors will be on site to assist with any inquiries, along with providing nonpartisan voting resources.

In the next two weeks, the news cycle will be fully focused on the election. Join us on October 23 for One Nation, Divergent Views: a Pre-Election Roundtable for insights on critical issues shaping the 2024 election and social science research on the American voting public. Sponsored by Wallace House Center for Journalists and the Institute for Social Research, this program features special guests Bret Stephens and Lydia Polgreen of The New York Times, María Elena Salinas of ABC News, and Vincent Hutchings of U-M Center for Political Studies in conversation with veteran Michigan journalist Stephen Henderson for a lively discussion.

Election Day is around the corner. We remind you that your voice is vital. For those that are eligible to vote, we encourage you to take advantage of early voting.

Victors vote early!

In partnership,

Jenna Bednar, PhD
Faculty Director, UMICH Votes and Democratic Engagement

Rosario Ceballo, PhD
Dean, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

Celeste Watkins-Hayes, PhD
Joan and Sanford Weill Dean, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
YEAR OF DEMOCRACY SPOTLIGHTS ON CAMPUS
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Grant Opportunities

The Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment, and Global Engagement offers funding to support various projects across campus, including cutting-edge research, curricular and co-curricular opportunities, and dynamic events & programming that inform and inspire. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis. Please visit our website to learn more!
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In a contentious election season, the topic of "election security" occupies headlines and news feeds. Our next Michigan Expertise Spotlight highlights University of Michigan scholarship on election security. Visit the Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment, and Global Engagement website to learn about the research of J. Alex Halberman, an internationally recognized expert in cybersecurity; Walter Mebane, a pioneer in election forensics; and the work of the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) with its findings that Michigan local government leaders have expressed growing confidence in their jurisdiction's ability to securely and accurately administer elections.
One Nation, Divergent Views: Pre-Election Roundtable
Wednesday, October 23 at 6:00 pm | Rackham Auditorium

Join Wallace House and the Institute for Social Research for a live conversation driven by journalism and social science in the run-up to the presidential election. This session, sponsored by Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment, and Global Engagement, brings together special guests Bret Stephens and Lydia Polgreen of The New York Times, María Elena Salinas of ABC News, and Vincent Hutchings of U-M Center for Political Studies in conversation with veteran Michigan journalist Stephen Henderson. The discussion will explore the dramatic rise of political polarization, the significant decline in public trust in government - which has dropped from 80% in the 1950s to just 20% today - and other key factors influencing voter behavior. Don't miss this opportunity to hear diverse perspectives on the forces shaping the upcoming election.
Susan J. Demas
Tuesday, October 29 at 12:00 pm | Michigan League - Michigan Room

Susan J. Demas, foremost expert on Michigan's political scene, explores why men and women view this presidential election so differently. Why does age make such a difference? After all, whose vote will prevail? Expect a lively discussion in the final days before the Nov. 5 election. Part of the university's Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment and Global Engagement, this free event is presented by the Mullin Welch Endowed Lecture of the U-M Center for the Education of Women+ (CEW+).
Voting Hub at the Dude, Monday Oct 21, 12-6 PM M-F

The Campus Voting Hub at the Duderstadt Gallery opens October 21! Designed by Stamps School of Art & Design faculty of the Creative Campus Voting Project in close collaboration with the Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office, the Voting Hub at the Duderstadt serves as City of Ann Arbor Satellite Clerk's Office and offers voting resources for the U-M community on North Campus. Come visit this delightful space to learn about the voting process. Voting in Ann Arbor? Register, update your address, or vote early at the Duderstadt or UMMA. Not voting in Ann Arbor? Drop by either site for answers to your voting questions and join the fun! See the UMICH Votes website for more information!