Register to Vote and Request an Absentee Ballot
The 2020 elections are happening this November. College students in STEM fields are less likely to vote than students in the humanities, social sciences and education. The presidency, all seats in the House of Representatives and a third of the seats in the Senate will be contested. Eleven state governorships and many other state and local elections will also be contested. Be sure you are registered to vote in time to participate! Learn more about voting policies and rights in your state and register to vote at Rock the Vote, a nonprofit dedicated to engaging young people in politics.
Voting procedures and requirements for requesting an absentee ballot during the coronavirus pandemic vary by state. Visit your state board of elections website or Vote.org for deadlines and to request a ballot.
The Science Debate is asking the presidential candidates a series of science and technology policy questions. State-level coalitions are working with Science Debate and the National Science Policy Network to develop regionally tailored, nonpartisan questions for all candidates related to science, technology and health policy priorities. Check their website to see the candidate’s responses.
These resources from Climate Science Legal Defense Fund help scientists like you engage with candidates safely and effectively:
- Participating in Political Activities: Guidelines for Federally Employed and Federally Funded Scientists
- Know Your Rights: Scientific Activism and Protests
- What Scientists Should Know About Writing Open Letters
- Pocket Guide to Safeguarding Online Communications