Dear Pacific Students,

As we head into the final weeks before Election Day on November 5, I want to highlight the significant role each of you plays in shaping our democracy. As Pacific students, you are not only preparing for your future careers but also training to become engaged citizens who will influence the decisions and policies that shape our world. One of the most powerful ways to do this is by exercising your right to vote. For many of you, this election will be your first opportunity to engage in the voting process, and I encourage you to make the most of it.

At Pacific, we teach students how to think, not what to think, in order to become successful leaders and learners. This election, I encourage you to reflect on how your vote can contribute to the vibrant exchange of ideas that strengthens our democracy. And if you haven't yet registered to vote, I urge you to do so today. Registering is quick, easy and ensures that your voice is heard.

Here are some key dates to remember:

• October 21: Last day to register for the 2024 General Election
• October 22: If you missed the registration deadline, same-day voter registration is available at early voting locations and on Election Day
• October 26: Early in-person voting begins
• November 5: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To ensure you're prepared and informed, visit our voting resources for students page for more information on how to register, find your polling location and learn about what's on the ballot.

While national elections often draw the most attention, local elections have a profound impact on the policies that directly affect your daily life—from education and housing to transportation and public safety. Your vote in these elections matters.

As part of our ongoing commitment to engage in meaningful dialogue, I also encourage you to attend the upcoming Presidential Speaker Series on October 24, where author Mónica Guzmán will discuss insights from her book, “I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times,” which has been selected as our common read this year for our first-year undergraduates. I hope you will join the discussion, attend her Curiosity Workshop and reflect on how listening to each other and finding common ground can help us create a better future.

Pacificans have always used their voices to drive progress and create a brighter tomorrow. This election, I hope you will continue that rich tradition by making your voices heard.