Election Resources and Making Your Voice Heard
Election Day will occur on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Resources on this page will point you towards valuable information related to the election cycle in addition to answering frequently asked questions about University policies and statements concerning free speech and expressive activity, including protests.
How to get Involved
CNU traditionally has had student organizations that represent a variety of political viewpoints. No matter your party affiliation, there are ways to get involved on campus or in Newport News.
One such event will be Captains Vote, a Wason Center voter awareness/registration event for students on Tuesday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Trible Plaza. Organizations seeking to have a booth at Captains Vote Day can register by Tuesday, October 1.
How to be Informed
The CNU Wason Center for Civic Leadership offers numerous political candidate debates and forums throughout the year.
Look for other talks and events on the official CNU calendar.
How to Hold an Event
Any student or recognized student organization wanting to host a rally, demonstration, or other event on campus should connect with the Office of Orientation and Student Involvement. The staff can assist with planning any event to ensure compliance with appropriate university policies. We also encourage you to consult Policy 7000 which explains the requirements for holding events on campus and includes a list of available spaces on campus (indoors and outdoors). Faculty and staff seeking to reserve space for expressive activity not related to work should consult Policy 7001.
How to Vote
Information provided in this section is from the Virginia Department of Elections.
The deadline to register to vote, or update an existing registration is Tuesday, October 15, 2024 (Voters may register after this date, through Election Day, and vote using a provisional ballot).
A college student registers to vote in Virginia the same as any other applicant: every prospective voter must submit a voter registration application. Remember, you must update your voter registration information whenever you change your residence.
Every voter in Virginia must submit their residential address when registering to vote (a post office box cannot serve as a residential address). If you are unable to receive mail at your address, you must also submit a local mailing address.
A dormitory or college address can be an acceptable residential address and does not disqualify you from voting. If your local voter registration office is unable to determine your physical residency based on a college address you provided on your voter registration application, the local voter registration office will contact you to request further information needed to register you to vote. Providing your email address and phone number on your voter registration application is a helpful way to ensure that the local voter registration office is able to contact you promptly. The local voter registration office may contact you by mail at the mailing address you provide on your voter registration application.
What is my residence?
A prospective voter must be a resident of the Commonwealth and of the precinct where he seeks to register. In order to establish “residency,” a prospective voter must have a physical location where they intend to stay for an unlimited time. A person can have residency in only one place at a time.
The applicant must determine and declare their residence and may change their intent at any time.
How do College Students vote?
A college student votes in the same manner as any other registered voter: you may vote in person on Election Day, vote early beginning 45 days ahead of an election, or vote absentee by mail.