Dear Bears,
The 2020 General Election is in full swing here in Colorado. We in the Dean of Students Office want to encourage your full participation in the democratic process and understand that engaging in civil discourse and navigating this political climate presents both opportunities and stressors for each of us.
- UNC’s Campus Commons serves as a Voter Service and Polling Center in Weld County. You can drop off your ballot, update your voter registration, and vote in person at this location. As such, within 100 feet of the facility, individuals cannot campaign or wear items supporting specific candidates or ballot measures, as it would constitute electioneering. If you would like to report electioneering, or other election complaints, you can do so through the Colorado Secretary of State.
- In Colorado, your UNC Card is a valid form of voter identification. To support students who may need to replace their ID to participate in voting, the UNC Card Office will be open for extended hours (until 7:00 pm) on Tuesday, November 3.
- Case Managers within Student Outreach and Support are available to provide referrals for election-related stressors and connect students with resources to meet their individual needs.
- The staff of the Counseling Center recognize that everything leading up to the election and the uncertainty of the events that might occur following the election might be causing additional stress and concern. In response to the needs of our UNC Community during this time, we’ve provided some suggestions for managing election stress on our website. As always, 24-hour access to an on-call counselor is available 7-days a week and can be accessed by calling the Counseling Center at 970-351-2496. Finally, we are increasing the availability of staff for drop-in services in the weeks following the election. Again, services can be accessed by calling 970-351-2496.
As always, if you or someone you know feels targeted because of their race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, political affiliation, or other identities, you are encouraged to report your concerns to UNC, so we can assist you. The Dean of Students Office works closely with campus partners in Equity & Inclusion and the Office of Institutional Equity & Compliance to provide wrap-around support to members of the UNC community and promote a more inclusive campus environment.
Bears, please take this opportunity to check in with each other and engage in difficult conversations with your peers. Make a plan to vote today and encourage your friends to do so, as well. Your voices matter.
In Community,
Colleen Sonnentag, PhD
Dean of Students
unco.edu/dean-students
dos@unco.edu
