Dear SDSU community,

We want to ensure that all members of our San Diego State University community are supported and have all the information they need for today, Election Day.

All of us at SDSU have a shared interest in deepening our community’s well-established commitment to serving the public good. Today’s election will decide the next U.S. president and, for our local community, the San Diego mayor seat, along with U.S. House of Representative seats, State Senate and Assembly seats and decisions about several potential laws.

SDSU has substantial election-related programming occuring today, that all faculty, staff, and students may participate in, no matter one’s party affiliation. Post-election virtual events are also available to provide supportive spaces to discuss, de-stress, and nourish and inspire one another.

 
 
How to Vote
 
 
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all active registered voters in our state who were registered by Oct. 19 received a ballot by mail for the 2020 General Election. If you have not mailed your ballot, it must be postmarked by today, Nov. 3.

If you prefer to drop off your completed ballot or vote in person, you have options. In San Diego, you can take your ballot to any one of 126 mail ballot drop-off locations. Imperial County has election-related information online. If you are in other locations or need more details, visit the state’s Elections and Voter Information page.

Also, through a partnership with the county, Associated Students is hosting a county-led Super Poll at Viejas Arena with in-person voting following county and state COVID-19 guidelines. Mail-in ballots can be dropped off at this poll site.

 
 
Not Registered? You Have an Option
 
 
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For Californians who missed the registration deadline, Same Day Voter Registration, known as Conditional Voter Registration, is available to you.

Eligible citizens who need to register or re-register to vote within 14 days of an election can complete this process to register and vote at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center. Their ballots will be processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process.

Visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov for a list of early voting locations where you can complete the Same-Day Voter Registration Process.

Same-day voter registration will also be offered today at the county-led poll site at Viejas Arena.
 
 
Post-Election Events
 
 
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A number of virtual post-election events are also planned and include the following:

  • Nov. 4: The Undocumented Resource Center will be hosting Here to Stay, a Post Election Community Check-In at noon. The Asian Pacfic Islander Desi American Resource Center will host the After-Election APIDA Community Check-In from 2 to 4 p.m.

  • Nov. 5: The Latinx Resource Center is hosting a Post-Election Reflection Circle from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Join Inclusive SDSU for Dive into Diversity, four-part virtual groups that will meet on Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. (Group A) and from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Group B) beginning Nov. 5. Contact Dr. Angela Coker at [email protected] for more information.

  • Nov. 6: The Center for Intercultural Relations, Latinx Resource Center, Pride Center, the Women's Resource Center and Counseling & Psychological Services will host Unpacking the Election: Community Processing Space noon to 1:30 p.m. The event is a guided conversation focused on processing emotions, fostering collective care, and building resilience in the post-election season. RSVP online to attend.

  • Nov. 16: One SDSU Community will co-host a Post Election Community Circle with the National Conflict Resolution Center and Associated Students from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Registration for the event is currently open.

 
 
Ways to Cope with Stress
 
 
According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 70% of Americans have reported that today’s election is a significant source of stress. On top of that, the social isolation caused by the coronavirus pandemic has a major impact on the support networks and communities we normally turn to for support.

Stress is worsened by uncertainty, but it is made better when we manage our expectations and reach out to one another. Planning ahead, and removing ourselves from situations which trigger our stress are also key actions we can take today. In addition:
  • Prepare mentally for delayed results. Expect significant delays in many states, as mail-in ballots may take many weeks to be counted. Go into this evening expecting speculation, but the possibility of no clear answers on certain items on the ballot.

  • Embrace stress-reducing habits. Plan your meals for today, and for the rest of this week in advance. Embrace eating healthy, exercise, and social connections in safe ways. Join one of SDSU’s virtual post-election events, or start your own.

  • Replace scrolling with nourishing. Unplug from the constant news cycle when it becomes more of a source of stress than a source of information.

  • Look for hope. Share moments of joy and inspiration with neighbors, peers, your professors, or your students. Take time to focus on and share the many accomplishments in our community, and to celebrate one another.

 
 
We are One SDSU, Stronger Together
 
 

Participating in elections is an important civic duty, as voting is one of the most important ways for individual citizens to influence the direction of our society. Our SDSU community, in particular, is known for creating meaningful experiences that help students to become global, ethical, and engaged citizens.

We thank you for joining us, and each other, in support of civic engagement as part of our nation’s democratic ideals.

Adela de la Torre, Ph.D.
San Diego State University President

Wil Weston, Ph.D.
University Senate Chair

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity

Christian Holt
Associated Students President 
 
 
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