October 26, 2020
Dear Campus Community,
As Election Day approaches, I want to strongly encourage every member of the UM family to exercise their right to vote. This right is both a gift and a responsibility that is foundational to our concept of democracy.
At the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, we recognize the singular importance of each person’s voice and vote. UM is home to people from diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, and the dialogue this diversity enables rests at the heart of a UM education. Voting is a vital way to make our voices heard, and in casting our ballots, we not only fulfill an important responsibility as Americans to play a role in shaping the future direction of our country, we also honor the hard work and tremendous sacrifice of many who have fought – and continue to fight – to secure and protect this fundamental right.
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, Missoula County is generously offering a satellite elections office on the UM campus, right in the Adams Center. Students, employees and community members can register to vote, get a ballot, fill it out and drop off their ballot – all in one place.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Adams Center, East Auxiliary Gym
Missoula County Elections personnel are on-site to:
- Register voters
- Update registrations
- Receive ballots
- Assist with ballots
- Provide a County Elections official ballot deposit box
In an effort to prioritize the health of all involved, the East Auxiliary Gym will be used only for registration, and the voting areas and the county-staffed ballot drop-off box will be outside the gym. All COVID-19 mask requirements will be observed. The voting areas will be in socially distanced outside tents, so dress warmly if you plan to complete your ballot on-site. All questions can be directed to Dr. Christina Barsky at christina.barsky@mso.umt.edu.
No matter the results of the election, some members of the UM family will be pleased, some relieved and others disappointed. Following the election, I am confident that each of us will respect the views of our fellow Grizzlies, even when our own thoughts and beliefs differ. By doing so, we will ensure the UM family has ample opportunity to practice what lies at the heart of a UM education: an informed, respectful exchange of diverse ideas and a steadfast commitment to improving the world around us. This is a way of thinking and being that allows human intellect to prosper and our Griz community to continuously learn and grow.
Please join the UM family in casting your vote.
Seth