The start of fall has officially settled over the Valley this October, with November right at its heels — and with it comes one of the most significant days this year: Election Day.
Sun Devils have the power to make lasting, systemic changes in their communities by casting their ballots and making their voices heard. Learn more about on-campus voting below.
Where Sun Devils can vote
To help ensure all Arizona State University students can access a polling location this election, ASU has four voting centers, one for every campus:
Tempe campus:
Sun Devil Fitness Center
400 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe
Downtown Phoenix campus:
A.E. England Building
424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
Polytechnic campus:
Student Union — Cooley Ballroom
5999 S. Backus Mall, Mesa
West Valley campus:
Verde Dining Pavilion
4781 W. University Way North, Glendale
These locations are open now through Election Day for early ballot drop-offs, as well as voting on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Find hours for these and other voting locations across the Valley on the Maricopa County elections website.
Why Sun Devils should vote
Although Election Day can be intimidating for first-time voters, it is a fundamental part of the democratic process and helps to address local issues that are significant to Arizona residents and communities.
Katie Spreitzer, a master’s student studying sustainability solutions in ASU's School of Sustainability, recently toured the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office and Elections Department and spoke with election officials about the process.
She commented on the importance of voting as a societal function.
“Civic engagement among our youth is as important as ever,” Spreitzer said. “Voting directly communicates to politicians our values and interests, and it upholds democracy in the United States.”
When asked about her tour of the Elections Department, Spreitzer encouraged other Sun Devils to take advantage of such opportunities.
“It showed me the meticulous election process and how my vote gets counted in a secure environment,” Spreitzer said. “I recommend anyone who would like to learn more about the election process and the importance of voting to contact or tour your local elections department.”
She reminded Sun Devils about the function of their vote in the bigger picture.
“It’s important to remember that your vote matters,” Spreitzer said. “Collective actions like voting can lead to generational change and transformative solutions for society. This election is our time to bring youth interests to the front of the ballot and make our voices heard.”
What Sun Devils should know
Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Voters can cast their ballots in person at the polls or through the mail. Mail-in ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted; the U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing completed ballots at least a week before to ensure they arrive before the deadline. Alternatively, mail-in ballots can be dropped off in person at any voting location.
On Election Day, Sun Devils must present valid identification. To learn more about what to bring to the polls, refer to the Election Day guide posted on the Arizona Secretary of State website.
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