Citizens across the United States will head to the polls to cast their votes today in the 2020 presidential election and other races at the national, state and local levels. Many resources are available to help Case Western Reserve University faculty, staff and students engage in the political process.
“During this important election year, voting is one of the most fundamental ways to make your voice heard, so we encourage any registered [person] who has not yet cast their ballot to take that final step and vote,” said Betsy Banks, director of the Center for Civic Engagement & Learning (CCEL). “There are lots of resources to answer any lingering questions you may have about the process and CCEL is also here to help!”
Review available resources below and check out case.edu/vote2020 and CCEL’s FAQs page for more information.
Before you go
Prepare yourself by previewing what your ballot will look like.
Individuals who vote in person in Ohio have to have their voter ID in order to cast a ballot. Find out what you will need to bring, including how to print your proof of residency.
Heading to the polls
Ohio polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Don’t know where to vote? Check your polling location.
For those who live on campus, CCEL also has compiled a list of each residence hall’s polling location. Find out where you should head to cast your vote.
Those who voted by mail can check the status of their ballot in Ohio and other states.
Want a ride to your polling location? Students can take shuttles to the polls at the Mary M. Bethune School and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church location today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Students on the northside of campus will be picked up at the Tinkham Veale University Center on Bellflower Road to go to the Mary M. Bethune School polling location, and southside students can pick up a shuttle at the One to One Fitness Center driveway (2158 Adelbert Road) to go to the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church location. Both shuttles will run on a continuous loop to and from the polling locations.
Shuttle seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but students must register to take a shuttle on CampusGroups in advance.
Face coverings and physical distancing are required on the shuttles. A monitor also will be onboard to check in riders and answer questions.
For more information on the shuttles, contact Kelly Schmidt at 216.368.6960 or commservice@case.edu.
Individuals also can review their voting rights and contact the Election Protection Hotline by calling or texting 1.866.OUR.VOTE (1.866.687.8683) to report issues or ask questions.
To help ensure all who would like to cast their vote in person can make it to the polls, supervisors are encouraged to approve time off in full- and half-day increments. Classes will be in session, but faculty members are encouraged to work with students to need to vote in person. Graduate/professional programs will provide guidance to their students.
After the election
Students who work the polls who would like to receive a COVID-19 test may come to the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center for testing Friday (Nov. 6) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Saturday (Nov. 7) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students may schedule appointments online through myhealthconnect.case.edu (Saturday times will open on Thursday). Alternatively, students who worked the polls may walk in for testing Friday or Saturday so long as they arrive 29 minutes before the end of the testing day.
Students should remember to not eat, drink (including water), smoke, chew gum or vape 30 minutes prior to their appointments.
Additional information about testing can be found online.
For those who experience stress, anxiety or other emotions related to the election, a number of resources are available. Additionally, supervisors are encouraged to allow their employees to take vacation time following the election if needed, as emotions can run high during this time.
Election Dialogue
University Health and Counseling Services will offer individual consultations with students at various times through Nov. 13. Check the schedule.
Mindfulness Hour
Guided mindfulness exercises will be offered to students to help them decompress the day after the election. University Health and Counseling Services will offer this session Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT. Register for the Mindfulness Hour session.
Anxiety Toolbox
A three-part seminar offered by University Health and Counseling Services will help students learn more about and understand anxiety. Sessions will be held Wednesdays Nov. 4, 11 and 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT. Sign up to participate in the Anxiety Toolbox event.
Communication Strategies during Difficult Times
Faculty, staff and students can hear from communication counselor Valeri Furst to learn about skills that will help them become stronger communicators. This one-hour webinar will be held Friday, Nov. 6, at noon. Register for the communication event.
Stress Management for Turbulent Times
A workshop will help members of the campus community better manage chronic stress related to the election and ongoing pandemic. This session, held by the Wellness Program, will help participants understand the importance of self-care and prepare them to set healthier habits in the future. Register for the stress management webinar.