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Election 2020

Resources and Guidance on Civic Participation in the 2020 Presidential Election

Portrait of Darryll J. Pines, president of the University of Maryland

“Now, more than ever, we need full participation in our democracy. Above all, please make a plan to vote.”

—
Darryll J. Pines, President, University of Maryland

The Xfinity Center Polling Location

Early Voting: Oct. 26 - Nov. 2, 7 am - 8 pm  
Election Day: Nov. 3, 7 am - 8 pm

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We are proud to be selected as a polling center for the 2020 presidential general election. As early voting commences on October 26, Xfinity will be one of the largest polling locations in Prince George’s County. For early voting in person, the Xfinity Center pavilion is easily accessible from Lot 4B or the Terrapin Trail Garage. Take University Boulevard to Paint Branch Drive to enter campus, continue straight and then turn right onto Terrapin Trail to reach the Terrapin Trail Garage, or turn right into parking lot 4B.
 
A secured ballot dropbox is also located on-site, open 24 hours. For easy access to the ballot dropbox take University Boulevard to Paint Branch Drive and turn onto campus. The ballot box is at the edge of parking lot 4B, closest to the stairs.
 
Sign up to volunteer during early voting at Xfinity Center. 

 

Other early voting centers and election day polling locations

All Maryland Drop Box Locations (PDF)

Expectations for campus throughout the polling period: 
  • More activism or political demonstrations on campus
  • Potential for voter intimidation
  • Increased vehicle and foot traffic
  • More visitors to campus—Remember to follow 4 Maryland guidelines throughout your voting experience 

 

Report Voter Intimidation    Report a Hate/Bias Incident

 

Maryland Voter Registration 

The state of Maryland allows same-day voter registration during early voting and on election day for the presidential general election (November 3). You can register to vote on election day by bringing a document showing proof of residency with you to vote. You can register to vote or change an existing voter registration during early voting October 26 through November 2 from 7am-8pm​, by going to an early voting center in the county where you live and bringing a document showing proof of residency. You can give proof of residency by showing the election judge a Maryland driver's license or identification card with your current address or, if you don't have these documents or they don't show your current address, you can show the election judge a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill, or other official document with your name and new address.
 

Expectations for election night:

The 2020 election might not be determined on Tuesday, November 3. In some states, mail-in and absentee ballots cannot be counted until that day and might take several days to count. This year there remains the possibility of further delays because of legal challenges. In any case, even when all the popular votes in the presidential election are counted, the election is not decided until the electoral votes are counted on January 6, 2021.

Important Dates Details
October 26 to November 2 Maryland Early Voting
November 3 Election Day

 

Pre/Post Election Day Tips

In the days following the 2020 U.S. presidential election, we know that this period may be especially difficult for many. STAMP is here to help you navigate your way by providing space for dialogue, reflection, information and support. Find resources available through STAMP programming areas and from partners around campus.

Post-election support at the Stamp Student Union

Tips for Self Care: Coping with Election Stress

  • Maintain a healthy eating, sleep, and exercise routine
  • Register to vote and take actions based on your values
  • Engage in productive dialogue and set boundaries when necessary
  • Limit your daily media consumption
  • Focus on what you can control: don't get carried away with early voting data
  • Remain consistent with your mental health care
  • Exercise your right to vote (if you haven't already)
  • Maintain your normal routine and focus on current tasks
  • Connect with people in your life who keep you grounded
  • Acknowledge and accept all your feelings
  • Take breaks from social media and election coverage
  • When staying informed, utilize trustworthy media sources
  • Volunteer for organizations that support your values
  • Focus on what you are grateful for
  • Continue to practice self-care
  • Use the election to inspire your purpose and act on your values
  • Process your reactions with supportive friends, family, or your community

The UMD Counseling Center is here to support students who may be struggling before, during or after the election. Please call 301-314-7651 to connect with a counselor.

Download Election Stress flyer (PDF)

 

University of Maryland Campus aerial view above McKeldin Mall

Campus Resources

Letter from President Pines: Awaiting Results from Election 2020

Op-ed from President Pines: UMD students, make your voice heard by voting
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Letter from President Pines: Our American Democracy: Vote and Be Counted
 
SUPPORT 

 

You can also make a difference in the UMD community by acting as a polling volunteer at XFINITY during early voting and on election day. Sign up to volunteer here. And, if you need more information on how to vote in your area, visit terpsvote.umd.edu. Get out and VOTE, Terps!

 

Campus Events

Week of November 9-15
Nov. 9: U.S. Foreign Policy in 2021 and Beyond: A Post-Election Assessment
Nov. 10: National Post-Election Student Forum
Nov 10: SGA Town Hall: Talk With Your Representatives
Nov. 10: Faculty/Staff Election Distress Space
Nov. 10: Self-Care in a Time of Change
Nov. 11: Faculty/Staff Election Distress Space
Nov. 12: Faculty/Staff Election Distress Space

 

Maryland Today Election Articles