To
All Students
From
Tichara Robertson and Thomas Phillips, Student Council

Dear Students:

Our democracy needs your participation. Early voting has already begun in many states, including Virginia, where the deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration is just around the corner on October 16. Elections are a chance for our generation to communicate who we are and what we value.

For some of us, this is our first time casting a ballot; others may already be experienced voters. The resources provided below include information you will need to successfully vote between now and November 7. For even more resources, visit the Hoos Vote Election Connection.

Sincerely, 

Tichara Robertson
Student Council President

Thomas Phillips
Director, Student Council Legislative Affairs Agency

Get Vote Ready

Step One: Check, Update and Confirm Your Voter Registration

1
  • Students have a choice of where to vote – either where they attend school or at their “permanent” address. Register where you want to vote and vote where you are registered.
  • Check and update your Virginia registration.
    • If you are already registered to vote but have moved or visited the DMV since your last registration, be sure to update your registration with your current preferred address.
  • If you’re an out-of-state student, find your voter registration status for another state. You may also register to vote in Virginia, but note that this will change your residency.
    • If you are an out-of-state student and wish to vote in Charlottesville, you must fill out a paper voter registration form and send it to the registrar’s office.
Step Two: Determine WHERE and HOW you are voting
2
Step Three: Be Prepared!
3
  • Plan transportation to the polls ahead of time. Student Council will be providing free rides to early voting locations and Election Day polling places through Charlottesville Yellow Cab. Simply call 434-295-4131 or visit their website to book a ride. When your taxi arrives, tell your driver to bill the UVA Student Council business account.
  • Identification
    • If you have valid identification, bring it with you. Valid identification includes student ID, driver’s license (expired or unexpired), valid U.S. passport, voter confirmation documents.
    • Don’t have identification? You can still vote! Voters without ID are required to sign a statement that you are the registered voter that you claim to be. 
Step Four: Educate yourself on the candidates!
4
  • Visit VoteSmart for a nonpartisan guide to the candidates. 
  • Think about what issues matter most to you, and look at how they align with the candidates’ views. It is unlikely that you will agree with all of a candidate’s positions, but you can choose the one who will best represent the beliefs that matter most to you.

If you experience any issues with voting, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE for help.

On Election Day, you are invited to the Center for Politics’ Hoos Vote Run with Jim, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on the steps of Madison Hall, followed by “Do-Nut Forget to Vote” from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, with free donuts in all dorm lobbies while supplies last.

Share your election experiences and why you are a voter by replying to this message and using #HoosVote on social media.

Have questions or need more info? Email [email protected].