With only days away from the presidential election, the University Archives is highlighting a snapshot of what student elections on campus looked like in the 1950s. The online exhibit, VOTE! Class of 1959 Villanova Student Elections, is a display of ephemera from the Spring 1957 class elections for the class of 1959. On display are posters, photographs, campaign cards, and platform letters. All the material was a donation made to the Alumni Office, which in turn have been kind of enough to transfer for preservation to the University Archives.

And Remember November 3rd To Go Out And VOTE!

The 1964 Belle Air was dedicated to the United State’s 35th president, John F. Kennedy, following his assassination in November 1963. Vice president Lyndon B. Johnson then became the 36th President of the United States. He then went on to win the 1964 Presidential Election in a landslide.

In preparing for the 2020 election, join the library for our 2020 U.S. Presidential Election Series. The first virtual event takes place today, Oct. 8, 1-2 p.m. Camille Burge, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Political, will discuss “Race and the Election.” For more information and the Zoom link, click here.

Also, if you haven’t yet – remember to register to vote! For information on getting registered, check out this post.

By Regina Duffy

In the run-up to Election Day on Nov. 3, Falvey Memorial Library is working with a group of campus partners to present a lineup of virtual events that’s intended to spark meaningful dialogue within the Villanova Community. This election cycle falls during a pivotal moment for the United States; not only are grappling with a global pandemic, but also we are confronting many issues of social justice as a nation. Our virtual events will feature several faculty experts from across Villanova who will explore topics related to the contentious presidential race during this unsettling time. Join us to learn more and be a part of the conversation.

Camille Burge, PhD, on “Examining the Roles of Race and Emotions in the 2020 Election”

First up in the series is Camille Burge, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, who will discuss “Examining the Roles of Race and Emotions in the 2020 Election” on Thursday, Oct. 8, 1-2 p.m. During the talk, Dr. Burge will address how we’re all feeling during this pandemic as well as our collective emotional reactions to a number of issues, including police brutality, #BlackLivesMatter, protests, #MeToo, hyperpolarization, and more.

Zoom join link for event attendees: https://villanova.zoom.us/j/94050688544

Note: Attendees must be logged into a Zoom account to be able to access this webinar.

Matthew R. Kerbel, PhD,  on “The State of the Contest, Election Day, and What Happens Next”

Next, please join us for a talk by Matthew R. Kerbel, PhD, Interim Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, Professor, Department of Political Science, on Thursday, Oct. 22, 1-2 p.m., for an update on the state of the contest and a discussion of what things could look like on Election Day and during the weeks afterwards. Dr. Kerbel will describe how in the midst of a pandemic and with an incumbent casting doubt on the legitimacy of the vote, Americans are going to the polls to decide an election that could have more far-reaching consequences than any in our lifetime.

Zoom join link for event attendees: https://villanova.zoom.us/j/92278872069

Note: Attendees must be logged into a Zoom account to be able to access this webinar.

Faculty Panel on “The Meaning of an Election in a Pandemic Year”

Finally, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.,  join us for a panel of faculty experts who will discuss the meaning of the election in a pandemic year. Billie Murray, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Communication, will discuss how the recent movement for Black lives has influenced the 2020 election, and how such movements can also work to transcend electoral politics. Danielle N. Gadson, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, will talk about how fodder for single-issue politics in past elections, the ubiquitous effects of public health policy will be a critical consideration this election year for every voting demographic. Tim Horner, DPhil, Teaching Professor, Center for Peace and Justice Education, Augustine and Culture Seminar Program, will give us a global perspective of the upcoming election.

Zoom join link for event attendees: https://villanova.zoom.us/j/97949390141

Note: Attendees must be logged into a Zoom account to be able to access this webinar.

This ACS-approved event series is co-sponsored by Falvey Memorial Library in collaboration with the Center for Peace and Justice Education, the Department of Political Science, the Department of Communication, the Department of Public Administration, and Let’s Vote Nova. Join us and make sure that you get out and vote!

Regina Duffy is a Communication and Marketing Program Manager at Falvey Memorial Library.

Make your voice heard, Wildcats! National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 22. Partnering with Let’s Vote, Nova, Falvey Memorial Library has informational packets on Pennsylvania voter registration available for you on the first floor in front of Holy Grounds.

Voter Registration 

As stated on the Let’s Vote, Nova voter registration page, “Villanova is separated into four districts that cover campus, depending on what residence hall you currently reside in.  If you registered to vote in PA previously, you likely need to update your vote registration form with your new residence hall information.” You can update your information online or by mail. You can also register to vote in person at your county voter registration office, PennDOT, and other government agencies. For additional information, visit the Votes PA website. 

Need assistance with the voter registration form? Check out Will D. Cat’s helpful instructions.

Oct. 19, 2020, is the last day to register to vote in Nov. 3, 2020, General Election.

Mail-In Ballot 

You can apply for a mail-in ballot online or via mail.

Online mail-in ballot: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin

Mail-in ballot by mail: https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DOS-VotesPA/Paper-Application

As stated on the Votes PA website, “Mail-in application must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. on Oct. 27. Voted ballots must be received by your county election office [postmarks are not enough] by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Applications and ballots may be delivered to your county election office by the deadline.”

Absentee Ballot 

Registered to vote outside of Pennsylvania? Visit Rock The Vote for nationwide voting information. Select your state for additional resources and links for absentee voting and deadlines.

Helpful Links 

Curated by Merrill Stein, Political Science Librarian.

• America: History and Life (EBSCO)
• Pew Research Center, U.S. Politics & Policy
• The Almanac of American politics
• CQ Voting & Elections Collection (CQ Press)
• Roper Center for Public Opinion Research (iPOLL)
• 2020 election, state-by-state guide from FiveThirtyEight.com
• Voting and Registration data from the United States Census Bureau
• The Voter’s Self-Defense System
• Nationscape Insights (USA Today)
• Follow the Money

For more election discussion join us for the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election Virtual Event Series. This ACS-approved event series is co-sponsored by Falvey Memorial Library, the Center for Peace and Justice Education, the Department of Political Science, the Department of Communication, the Department of Public Administration, and Let’s Vote, Nova. All events are free and open to the public.

Camille Burge, PhD, on “Examining the Roles of Race and Emotions in the 2020 Election”  

Thursday, Oct. 8, 1 p.m., in Zoom: https://villanova.zoom.us/j/94050688544