University Launches Election Portal

This election season, you have been bombarded by television ads, social media and a never-ending news cycle—a torrent of information that can be difficult to navigate.

But you might also feel energized or inspired to play a role in the 2020 general presidential election, so the University of Maryland has pulled together what you need to know into one location: umd.edu/election-2020. The new election portal provides a centralized home for resources and guidance on Terps’ civic participation in the coming days and weeks.

It provides a rundown of important dates—starting with the Oct. 20 deadline in Maryland to request a mail-in ballot from the state Board of Elections website. And it reminds voters registered in Prince George’s County how they can cast their ballots right on campus at the Xfinity Center for early and day-of voting, or by popping their official sealed envelope anytime into the secure ballot dropbox located on site. 

Content will continue to be added to the portal before and after Election Day, Nov. 3, but here’s what you can already find: 

• How to volunteer during early voting at the Xfinity Center.
• Tips to help you make sure your voice is heard, know your rights, safely organize a public demonstration and protect yourself and others from voter intimidation, among other topics.
• Lists of campus resources for both faculty—including a TerpsVote course module and discussion guides—as well as for students, such as links to counseling and behavioral health services, support groups and healing spaces.
• A calendar of upcoming campus events, from post-debate conversations with faculty to a post-election analysis with an expert panel on Zoom.
• Links to Maryland Today’s Election 2020 stories.