What faculty members need to know this election season
Professor Elias Sacks, faculty director for public scholarship and a member of Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’s Election Steering Committee, discusses why this year’s election will be important for everyone who lives, works or studies in Colorado and what faculty members need to know about engaging in this election season.ÌýÌý
Professor Elias Sacks
What are the policies that govern political expression, activity and conduct in the workplace? Where do I find guidance about academic freedom?Ìý
The Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØsystem office issued before the June primary election, and these guidelines remain relevant. Subscribing to is a good way to track updates and reminders.Ìý
Information about academic freedom is available on the Academic Affairs website, and campus has just released a new guide to navigating challenging classroom situations.Ìý
If you have specific questions, please feel free to reach out to me at elias.sacks@colorado.edu, and I’ll connect you with the right person or office on campus.ÌýÌý
What election resources are available to share with students and colleagues?
Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder participates in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge to encourage voter education and voting by all students and employees. Our Election Steering Committee coordinates information and activities to support everyone’s participation.ÌýÌý
You can find campus events, voter registration guidance, links to what’s on the ballot, details about where and when to vote and more on Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’s Civic Engagement website.Ìý
There will be some campus-endorsed groups reaching out to instructors offering to visit classes with short informational presentations about why midterm elections matter, how to register and what, specifically, we’ll be voting on this fall. If you’re interested in hosting one of these, we can help make arrangements.Ìý
You’re also welcome to contact me with questions at elias.sacks@colorado.edu, and I will help you connect to the information you need.ÌýÌý
There's no presidential race in 2026. Why should people care about a midterm election?
Midterm elections often determine the balance of power, for years to come, in Congress and in state government.Ìý
In 2026, Colorado voters will choose a new governor, attorney general, treasurer and secretary of state, along with congressional members, legislators, city council members and mayors throughout the state. Decisions about higher education funding, housing, healthcare and environmental policy are shaped by those who control the state legislature, governor's office and city councils. Additionally, Colorado will have a record number of initiatives on the 2026 ballot, some of which propose significant changes to the tax code, personal rights and more.Ìý
These are decisions that affect each of us, through CU's budget, faculty and staff working conditions, and the lives and communities of our students. In fact, it could be argued that when it comes to at least some issues, state and local elections affect us more directly than federal ones. Ìý
What are the key dates and deadlines Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder voters need to know?Ìý
The steering committee strongly encourages our campus community to vote in person before Nov. 3. This year’s ballot is extremely long, which will slow down voting at polls on Nov. 3. Additionally, there is considerable controversy right now regarding mail-in ballots. If people vote early and in person, this will eliminate obstacles. Please encourage your students to vote, as well.
- Oct. 2: Ballots begin mailing to eligible voters.ÌýÌý
- Oct. 19: In-person voting begins in many locations (UMC starts Oct. 26 and Williams Village Nov. 2).
- Oct. 26: Last day to register to vote and still be sent a ballot in the mail (after this date, go register and vote in person). This is also the last recommended day to return a ballot by mail—otherwise, use a drop box.ÌýÌý
- Nov. 3: Election Day—ballots are due by 7 p.m., or vote in person (postmarks do not count).Ìý
Colorado's midterm election
ÌýÌýTuesday, Nov. 3Ìý
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ÌýÌýVote before 7 p.m. (MST) Nov. 3
For more information refer to Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’s Civic Engagement website.
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