Key Information for UC Student Voters in the 2024 General Election

The November 5, 2024 General Election is crucial. Know your rights and the candidates’ stances. Check the registration deadline, voting methods, and key dates. UC campuses have designated polling places. Your vote matters—stay informed and make an impact on your community and the nation. Visit reputable sources for the latest updates.

ucgpcexecdirector

October 15, 2024

2–3 minutes

The upcoming November 5, 2024, General Election is a pivotal moment for voters across the United States, including students at the University of California campuses. This guide aims to provide comprehensive, politically neutral information to help you navigate the election process effectively.

Check your voter status in California

Current Presidential Candidates

As of August 2024, the following candidates are noteworthy in the presidential race:

Kamala Harris (Democrat): Vice President of the United States, with Tim Walz as her running mate[2][6].
Donald Trump (Republican): Former President, with JD Vance as his running mate[6].
Chase Oliver (Libertarian)[2]: Political Activist.
Cornel West (Independent): Professor and Progressive Activist.
Jill Stein (Green): Doctor and Activist.

Policy and Stances

The candidates have expressed their positions on various key issues:

Economy: Discussions include taxes, job creation, and inflation[3][4].
Healthcare: Policies focus on access and affordability[4].
Environment: Candidates have differing views on climate change and energy policies[3][4].
Social Issues: Topics such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and education are central to the debates[3][5].

Voting Information

Voter Registration and Rights

Eligibility: To vote in California, you must be a U.S. citizen, a California resident, and at least 18 years old on Election Day[1].
Registration Deadline: The last day to register is October 21, 2024[1].
Voting Rights: Ensure your rights are protected. You can vote if you have a past felony conviction, provided your voting rights have been restored[1].

Important Dates

Date	Event
March 5, 2024	Primary Elections
September 10, 2024	First Presidential Debate
October 1, 2024	Vice Presidential Debate
October 7, 2024	Vote by Mail Ballots are mailed out/begin
October 8, 2024	Ballot Drop Off Locations open
October 21, 2024	Final day to register/re-register for vote by mail or online
November 5, 2024	General Election Day/Final Day to Vote
November 12, 2024	Vote by Mail Ballots need to be postmarked and received
December 5, 2024	Completion of Election Canvass

Ways to Vote

Vote-by-Mail: All registered voters will receive a mail-in ballot. Ensure it is postmarked by Election Day and received by November 12, 2024[1].
In-Person Voting: Vote centers open on October 26, 2024, for early voting[1].
Ballot Drop-Off: Available from October 8, 2024, at designated locations[1].

Polling Places Near UC Campuses

Each UC campus will have designated polling places and ballot drop-off locations. Check your campus’s election office or website for specific locations and hours.

Here are the election websites for each University of California campus:

UC Berkeley: Go Bears, Go Vote!
UC Davis: UC Davis Voter Engagement
UC Irvine: UCI Civic & Community Engagement
UCLA: Bruin Vote Center
UC Merced: UC Merced Vote
UC Riverside: Highlanders Vote
UC San Diego: Tritons Vote
UC San Francisco: UCSF Votes
UC Santa Barbara: UCSB Voter Registration
UC Santa Cruz: Slug Vote

These resources provide information on voter registration, polling locations, and election-related events on each campus.

Voter Rights and Resources

Federal and State Protections: The Department of Justice ensures compliance with voting rights laws across the country[8].
Voter Assistance: If you encounter any issues while voting, contact local election officials or voter protection hotlines for assistance.

Stay Informed

For the latest news and analysis, follow reputable news outlets and official election websites. Staying informed will empower you to make educated decisions at the polls.

By participating in the election, you contribute to shaping the future of your community and the nation. Make sure your voice is heard by voting this November.

Citations:
[1] https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections
[2] https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_candidates,_2024
[3] https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_candidates_on_the_issues,_2024
[4] https://www.winston.com/en/2024-us-presidential-candidates-policy-overview
[5] https://pluralpolicy.com/blog/new-voting-laws-2024/
[6] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/aug/27/presidential-election-candidates-2024
[7] https://southasiannetwork.org/desivote-2024/
[8] https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-launches-updated-voting-rights-and-elections-website

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Author

Written by

ucgpcexecdirector

Patriccia Ordoñez-Kim is the Executive Director of the University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC), where she passionately advocates for equity and social justice in higher education. With a deep commitment to critical and engaging education, her advocacy work is inspired by her experiences as a student in the Los Angeles public school system. Patriccia’s leadership and advocacy have garnered recognition, including an Outstanding Teaching Assistant award. She also presents her research at esteemed conferences like the American Educational Research Association (AERA), reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact in academia. She was selected to attend the inaugural Gates Notes Deep Dive with Bill Gates, underscoring her commitment to driving positive change in the educational landscape.

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