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Civic Engagement

Cost and Admission

This event is free to attend.


Election 2020

Within the Biola community, we have a spectrum of political views and beliefs. As an institution of higher learning, we encourage you to have difficult conversations with those you may not agree with to grow in understanding. In order to facilitate this, we will have several events happening this fall available for students to engage in healthy and respectful political discourse and discussion. Check out the resources on this website for more information.


Questions?

Contact Student Development at:
student.development@biola.edu


Voter Registration

Voter Checklist

Step 1: Register To Vote

On Tuesday, November 3, 2020 the United States will have elections for numerous important government positions including the President of the United States, Congressional Representatives and Senators and many others. Use the link below to register to vote. It only takes a few minutes. The deadline to register to vote online in California is Monday, October 19, 2020.

Register to Vote


Step 2: Research Candidates and Political Parties

An informed voter makes an informed choice. Before filling out your ballot, make sure to research candidates for office, political parties and ballot initiatives.

Visiting a candidate's website, listening to interviews and watching debates can also help voters stay informed. Using multiple sources and evaluating sources for accuracy remains one of the best ways to get good information.

It can also help to find out what's on your ballot. In addition to national races, your ballot will probably contain multiple state and local races. You might also need to vote on referendums and initiatives. Check your sample ballot for all items. You can find all this information on Biola’s TurboVote site.


Step 3: Check State Rules and Regulations

Before election day, check your state's rules and regulations. First, find out when you can vote. Most states offer early voting before the election, and most polling locations stay open for at least 12 hours on election day.

It's a good idea to check your voter registration before your state's deadline to apply to confirm that the state received and processed your application to vote.

First time voters in 2020 should also plan to bring identification to the polls. Some states only accept a valid photo identification, while others accept non-photo ID. States that use all mail-in ballots do not require identification. Checking your registration status can be done through Biola’s TurboVote site.


Step 4: Find Your Polling Place

State election offices assign polling locations based on a voter’s address. If you aren’t sure where to go to vote, you can either contact your election office or visit Biola’s TurboVote site.


Step 5: Cast Your Ballot

The final step in “voting 101” is voting! Some voters cast a ballot in person at an early voting location or at their polling place on election day. These voters will need to ask an election worker for a ballot, sign their name, and fill out their ballot. In some states, you might need to show identification. As long as you get in line before the polling hours end in your state, you can vote.

For voters who choose a mail-in ballot, the state will send a ballot to their address. After filling out the ballot and signing their name, voters can return the ballot by mail or via a ballot drop box.


Additional Resources

Events

Departments on campus are participating in a series on faith and politics this fall. We encourage you to join us. Check out the opportunities below.

Week Event/Program
October 12–16 Chapel: Winsome Conviction Project: Rick and Tim value of civility during this election season.

Speakers: Rick Langer; Tim Muehlhoff
Learn more here
October 21Divided We Fall: A Conversation with David French about Restoring Unity in a Time of Polarization. 

Live Stream Event at 6 p.m. 
Learn more here
October 26-30Chapel: Contemporary Issues Series

Speakers: Tim Milosch, David French and Justin Giboney
October 28Symposium: “Passion Meets Policy Panel” 

(Moderated by SGA President Keren Godwin)

Speakers: Justin Giboney, president of the AND Campaign, Michelle Reyes, vice president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative and Joy Qualls, associate professor of communication studies
November 10Post-election event panel with faculty from prior chapels 

More information to come