#USFVotes – Leading up to the Midterms

USFVotes, our initiative to make every USF student a registered voter, will hold five (5) weeks of voter information workshops and talks ahead of the 2018 Midterm elections.

Students, the USF community, and the general public are welcome to come out and get informed of the issues both on and off the ballot! Mark your calendars for any and all of the sessions listed below. Then join us for Election Watch on Election Day, November 6 and a special on-site forum of Political Breakdown, with KQED-FM hosts and political reporters.

USFVotes: Fighting for the Right to Vote, the Continuing Civil Rights Struggle

October 4, 2018, 6–7:30 p.m.
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The modern day civil rights struggle is one that is more urgent than ever and comes to the forefront during the upcoming midterm elections. Join us for a conversation and potluck to discuss the systematic attempts that prevent historically underrepresented diverse populations from their right at the polls, connecting past with present and future.

This event is part of The Dinners Project, a non-partisan initiative of Creative Capital, with For Freedoms, and #LoveArmy. We’re proud to be part of the 50 State Initiative, a platform that is activating a national network of artists and institutions to serve as civic forums for action and political discourse leading up to the mid-term elections.

USFVotes: Demystifying the Millennial Vote

October 11, 2018, 6–7:30 p.m.
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Out of all USF students, 54.6% voted in the 2016 election. The national average was 50.4%. In a progressive city like San Francisco, on a diverse and vibrant campus like USF, you would think that students would be jumping at the chance to make their voices heard at the polls. Millennials are the largest voting bloc in US history and have a chance to make a difference in our halls of power. Why do Millennials and post-Millennials not feel like they are part of the democratic conversation? What about voting turns students off? Students on campus typically lean left of the political spectrum but a lack of willingness to get involved. Has the voting narrative become too partisan? Are candidates and platforms no longer connected to the issues our generation really cares about? Join USFVotes for a conversation about demystifying the Millennial vote and see what you can do to change the message.

Go Vote Challenge

October 9 – November 6

USFVotes is partnering with USF Wellness Team for a Go Vote Challenge. Each department has an opportunity to participate and get a shout out in the GoUSF email and bulletin board. San Francisco has early voting at City Hall during regular business hours, 8am-5pm every week day and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity! Check in after you vote early at the polls and encourage your colleagues to do the same. The department with the most votes gets massive bragging rights!

Go Vote: Ballots and Bites

October 11, 2018, 3–4 p.m. and October 18, 2018, 3–4 p.m.
Meet at Masonic and Turk to City Hall

Did you know you can vote early at City Hall? Why not avoid the crowds, get a little exercise and mingle with your friends as we walk down to the polls! Once you vote, we will have treats available to help rejuvenate you before heading back to campus. Voting booths are open in the basement of City Hall at SF Department of Elections from 10/9-11/6, 8am-5pm.

USFVotes: What’s On The Ballot?

October 18, 2018, 6–7:30 p.m.
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State senator vs. U.S. senator. School board members, supervisors, and representatives. Ballots, and measures propositions. There are many statewide propositions appearing on the November 6 ballot and it’s important that students are informed about all the issues on the table. Join USFVotes on this day for a nonpartisan breakdown of everything that’s on the 2018 November ballot at the local, state and federal level. Knowledge is power and what can be more knowledgeable than educating yourself about policy issues that mean the most to you?

USFVotes: Know Your Voting Rights Before Election Day

October 25, 2018, 6–7:30 p.m.
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Why is your right to vote so important? We have the freedom to choose our leaders and engage on the issues that we care about. This means we can build power in our communities and create real change. Our right to vote gives us that power. But whether that right is protected varies from state to state (Yes, even today). Some states have laws that encourage voters to participate and make our voices heard, while others have laws that confuse and block voters, lowering voter turnout—and our impact. As the largest and most diverse generation in American history, we have the strength to defend our voices and our votes. Join USFVotes for a conversation about voting rights and why this gives us the power to hold our elected leaders accountable to our values and our vision for the future.

Week of Action: Register to Vote Before Midterms

October 17–October 22, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tabling: Lo Schiavo, University Center, Lone Mountain

The last day to register in California is on October 22 and we need all hands on deck! Come stop by our tabling stations across campus during a week of action to register to vote, update your registration, request absentee ballots, or learn more about your candidates before the November 6 election.

Midterm Election Day 2018

November 6, 2018, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Tabling: Lo Schiavo, University Center, Lone Mountain

The midterm elections are here! Join USFVotes for a full day of election momentum—from organizing your absentee ballot, to walking to your polling place, to watching the results trickle in well into the evening.

Davies Forum: Political Breakdown, Midterm Edition

November 14, 2018, 4:45–6:45 p.m.

Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer cohost KQED’s weekly show and podcast, Political Breakdown and cover politics at KQED public media. One week after the November midterms, they’ll unpack what happened, and what it means for San Francisco, California and the nation. They’ll reflect on what’s changed in the past two years since Donald Trump’s stunning victory and discuss what it’s like to be a political reporter in these intense and fractured times. Co-sponsored by Critical Diversities Studies.

 

Thank you to the following sponsors and partners for their support: Andrew Goodman Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, USF Urban and Public Affairs, Communication Studies, The Lane Center, Environmental Studies, Minor in Public Service and Community Engagement, Diversity Engagement and Community Outreach, Sociology, 2018 Davies Forum, Honors College, History, MIMS, International Studies, Media Studies, Critical Diversity Studies, Performing Arts and Social Justice, Cultural Centers, School of Law, Center for Latina/o Studies in the Americas, and USF School of Education