POLLING PLACE LOCATOR
Do Your TRIO Students Know Where to Go on Election Day? Or What Time Polling Starts and Ends There?
First-time voters may be uncertain or intimidated by the process. By guiding them through how to research their ballot and make informed decisions, you’re helping to demystify voting and empowering them to participate in democracy. Part of planning for Election Day is knowing when and where you’re able to cast your vote. Select your state below to review your polling place’s location, hours, and expectations. Many students, particularly those new to voting, may feel overwhelmed when they see their ballot for the first time. They may be unfamiliar with the candidates, the offices, or the local measures. By helping students research their ballot ahead of time, you give them the tools they need to make informed decisions that align with their values and the issues that matter most to them.
BALLOT RESEARCH
Give students a peek at what measures and candidates are going to be on their ballots.
Their ballots won’t just be choosing the President in November — they’ll be voting on other positions and ballot measures that affect their community. For instance: “Did you know that funding for STEM education is impacted by decisions made by [school boards]? Our local school board elections are coming up this year, so voting in that election gives you a say in how science programs are funded in our community.” From environmental regulations that impact scientific research to education policies that shape classroom experiences, every field is influenced by decisions made by elected officials. Helping your students understand what’s on their ballot is key to empowering them to participate in the democratic process. As TRIO professionals, you play a crucial role in guiding students—especially first-generation and low-income students—through the voting process, ensuring they are informed and confident when they receive their ballots in the mail or step into the voting booth.
Major on the Ballot
Talk to your students about the issues they care about and how those issues are influenced by elected officials.
Voting isn’t just about politics—it’s about your future. Your Major on the Ballot is designed to help you see how the subjects you’re studying in the classroom connect to the democratic process and the choices you make at the ballot box. The issues that impact your field of study are decided by the leaders we elect, and understanding that connection can empower you to take action and make your voice heard. Whether you’re studying engineering, biology, art, or education, laws, regulations, policies, and government funding shape your field. But students, especially those in STEM or non-political majors, often aren’t aware of how these factors are influenced by voting. This initiative bridges that gap by showing you how the issues you care about are directly connected to what happens in elections.
Take Action Today! Get our students registered to vote.
As a TRIO professional, you are dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential.
Now, let’s extend that empowerment to civic engagement! Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future, and it all starts with registering. We invite you to join our campaign to ensure that every eligible TRIO participant—and you—are registered to vote. Completing this simple form will direct you to your local Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor, or Department of Elections website, where you can register with ease. Register yourself and guide your of-age TRIO participants to complete the form. It’s a quick, impactful step that can make a world of difference. Let’s work together to ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear in the next election.
Get in Touch
Questions? Contact COE Vice President for Public Policy Diane Shust.
Diane Shust
Vice President, Public Policy [email protected]
Owen Toomey
Director, Congressional Affairs [email protected]
First-Generation College Celebration Day
November 08, 2023,