Upcoming Elections

To: Members of the University Community
From: Ka Yee C. Lee, Provost
Subject: Upcoming Elections
Date: October 30, 2020

With each election season, our campus community engages with issues of importance to the nation’s future. As always, we encourage eligible members of the University community to exercise their right to vote and participate in the political process.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought practical changes to the manner of voting and the timing of when votes will be counted in the period after the election. As a result, it is possible that the outcomes of many races, including the presidency, will not be known on November 3, the night of the election. This period will call for our University community to show patience and care for each other.

We ask that you prepare for the election with the following considerations in mind:

• Public health authorities continue to urge avoiding large in-person gatherings whether indoors or outdoors – especially in light of recent increases in COVID-19 cases nationwide and in Chicago.
• Units across the University have organized virtual election programs; you can find a full listing here.
• Wherever you may be on election night and in the days after, members of the university community should continue to adhere to the UChicago Health Pact to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes wearing a mask and maintaining at least 6 feet of social distancing.

Civility has always been an important part of thoughtful discourse on our campus, with a focus on respecting one another’s differences and upholding the free exchange of ideas and perspectives. Especially during this exceptional time, we are grateful for your ongoing commitment to these values.