Dear Lawrence Community,
Tomorrow, November 3, is the long-anticipated general election. While much of the campaign season has focused on the presidential race, there are many important races on the ballot. I know that many of you may have already registered and voted early or by absentee ballot, and I thank you for your participation in this important civic duty. I write today with final reminders about Election Day and options to register and vote.
This message contains information about the following:
- Reminders of our polling location for students living on campus and voting hours
- Getting to the polling location with a volunteer escort
- What to do if you experience any difficulty at the polling location
- Campus Programming, Support and Resources
Please continue reading for more detailed information on these topics.
Tuesday, November 3 voting location: Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
The Lawrence campus will vote at the nearby Memorial Presbyterian Church, 803 E. College Ave. The Memorial Presbyterian Church is located on the corner of College and Meade Streets (this is across the street from Chapman Hall). Here are a few important reminders about voting:
- Don’t forget to bring your voter ID with you to the polls.
- You will need to know your residential street address. Students living on campus will find that here: Residential addresses can be found here .
- At the polling location, please continue to honor the pledge and follow COVID practices of wearing a mask and maintain physical distance from others.
- If you still need to register to vote, you can do so at the polling location and then vote immediately after completing your registration.
- Lines may be long at our polling station with people looking to register and/or vote. If you are unsure if you are in a line to register or a line to vote, don’t hesitate to ask polling location staff about which line to be in.
- Students who do not reside on campus can find their polling location at myvote.wi.gov
Escorts to the campus Polling location
If you would like someone to go with you to the polls to register/vote, escorts will be available. You can come to the Warch Campus Center Info Desk anytime between 7:00 a.m. until polls close, and a campus volunteer will be available to walk with you to the polling location.
What to do if you Experience any Difficulty at the Polling Locations
If you experience any difficulty at the polling station, please see the assigned person in charge of that polling location, contact the City Clerks’ office at 920-832-6443, or contact the Dean of Students office in Raymond House at (920) 832-6596. If you feel you have experienced any type of voter intimidation, you may report this to the Appleton Police at their non-emergency number of 920-832-5500.
Campus Programming, Support & Resources
Offices across the department have planned programming and support services or are offering resources for our community both on election day and after.
- All events will follow university COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
- Free hot chocolate and hot cider being given away at the Sabin House lawn (corner of Alton and Meade Streets across from the polling location) from 7:00am -8:00pm on Tuesday, November 3rd.
- Election Return Watch event in the Somerset room of the Warch Campus Center 7:00–11:30 p.m.
- Expanded hours at the Diversity & Intercultural Center, International House and Spiritual and Religious Life until Midnight starting November 3 and running through finals.
- A campus-Wide Deep Listening gathering on November 4 at 8:00 p.m., led by Leila Ramagopal Pertl, Brian Pertl, and Linda Morgan-Clement. This will be a time to come together as a community of support and compassion during these stressful, anxious, and exhausting times. Deep Listening is a practice that honors every voice and every person. It embraces the act of listening and communal creation as a path to healing and personal empowerment. We invite you to join us and participate in whatever way you wish.
- Virtual gathering spaces will be available for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Differently Abled, Global Backgrounds, Allies/Advocates will be open November 4th through November 7th. These spaces will be available from 4pm to 9pm each day with staff checking in periodically each day. Click here to find the zoom links for these groups and additional resources.
- Here are even more helpful Tips for Navigating the Election and Results
Lawrentians have always shown great care for our community, and we hope that on election night, and the days that follow, we all will continue to demonstrate care through intentional decision making and employing good judgment, utilizing campus resources, checking in with each other, and reaching out for support if needed.
Wellness Services
Wellness Services will continue to provide telehealth opportunities for students to connect with counseling staff. Wellness Services Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- To schedule an appointment, call 920-832-6574 to leave a voicemail, or send us an email at wellnessservices@lawrence.edu.
- For urgent needs during office hours, students may request an appointment to speak to the counselor-on-duty. Students can also utilize the 24/7 LU Counseling line at 920-419-8167.
Campus Safety
On November 3 and the following days, you will continue to see an expanded presence by Campus Safety staff. In addition to them patrolling the campus, you are encouraged to contact Campus Safety at 920-832-6999 to report any concerns.
LU SafeWalks & Campus Escorts
Students are invited to utilize the LU SafeWalk by calling 920-419-8398, Sunday- through Thursday, 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m.–Midnight. Call or text the SafeWalk number and a SafeWalker will meet you at your current location and walk anywhere with you anywhere on campus.
Students are also able to contact Campus Safety at 920-832-6999 at any time of day or night to request an escort.
Thank You
As we see this campaign cycle draw to a close, I want to express my gratitude for your engagement in the electoral process. It is my hope that respectful discourse, community engagement and mutual care will continue for many terms to come.
Again, thank you to all Lawrentians participating in this process, and congratulations to those who are voting for the very first time!
Curt Lauderdale
Dean of Students