Election 2020 Resource & Event Guide
In between nonstop election coverage, social media, rumors, and the generalized anxiety of 2020, it may be difficult to stay positive and stress-free in the coming weeks. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of pre- and post-election resources, on-campus and virtual events, and helpful ways to relax and decompress. Check out this list of helpful resources from the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics (PCWP), the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), and the Counseling Center to stay healthy and grounded in the coming weeks:
Last Minute Ballot Drop-Off
Are you voting by mail-in or absentee ballot this year? Concerned about getting your completed ballot in on time? Chatham University is offering rides to the City-County Building Downtown so that Allegheny County voters can turn in their ballots in person. Shuttles will be running on Monday (11/2) and Tuesday (11/3) from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Be sure to register at the corresponding links.
Protect Yourself and Your Vote
Voter intimidation is the intimidating, threatening, or coercing of a person for the purpose of interfering with their right to vote and it is illegal. If you or someone you know experiences voter intimidation, we highly encourage you to report it via the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR VOTE. Learn more about what voter intimidation can look like at the link.
Election Day Events
Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day
7:00 am: Polls open in Pennsylvania
9:00 am: Hot chocolate on the Old Quad (across from polling location in James Laughlin Music Hall)
Noon: Netflix watch party
3:00 pm: VOTE cookie giveaway outside of the Carriage House
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Election Day “Party Pack” giveaway on the Quad
8:00 pm: Polls close in Pennsylvania
Need last minute help finding your polling location? Click here!
Post-Election Day Events
Wednesday, November 4 — Election Day Debrief
Noon - 1:00 pm // The Quad near Eddy Theater
In many ways, 2020 is an unprecedented election year. PCWP, the Office of Student Engagement, and ODEI are coming together on November 4th to talk with students about what happened on Election Night, what results are in, and what to expect next. Grab coffee from the Coffee Truck behind Eddy Theater and meet us on the Quad!
Thursday, November 5 — LGBTQIA+ Wellness Space
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm // Zoom
LGBTQIA+ individuals in America navigate trauma on an ongoing basis. While calling for change, it is critical that opportunities for self-care and wellness are provided as finding moments of rest is an act of resistance. The Counseling Center and ODEI will offer ongoing wellness spaces for LGBTQIA+ students with LGBTQIA+ Counselors as an opportunity for collective rest and mindfulness.
Friday, November 6 — Restorative Yoga with Skukura Woods
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm // Zoom
So far, 2020 has seemed to be a year of confusion, risk, change, triumph, loss, disappointment...and hope. Let us pause and ground ourselves as we move forward with continued passion. Join us for a beginner-level yoga and meditation session focused on rest and renewal.
Friday, November 6 — BlPOC Wellness Space
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm // Zoom
BIPOC in America navigate racial trauma on an ongoing basis. While calling for change, it is critical that self-care and wellness spaces are provided as finding moments of rest is an act of resistance. The Counseling Center and ODEI will offer ongoing wellness spaces for BIPOC students with BIPOC Counselors as an opportunity for collective rest and mindfulness.
Monday, November 9 — Post Election Analysis Discussion
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm // Zoom
Join the PCWP and our expert panel as they discuss what the results of the 2020 election cycle tell us about the direction of the nation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the role of gender in the election, and the relationship between the President-Elect and Congress. Featuring the following panelists:
Dr. Nancy Patton Mills, Chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party
Chris Potter, Government and Accountability Editor at WESA
Vanessa Williams, National Desk Reporter at the Washington Post
Dr. Nancy Patton Mills
Chris Potter
Vanessa Williams
Wednesday, November 11 — Post-Election Creative Open-Mic Night
6:00 pm — 7:00 pm // Zoom
Come let loose and get creative by sharing written work, reading the written work of others, coloring, or just simply being in community at our open mic night where we will hold space, engage, and affirm one another after such a politically overwhelming time.
Thursday, November 12 — Open Space for Post-Election Conversation and Reflection
Noon — 1:00 pm // Zoom
Executive Director of PCWP, Dr. Dana Brown and Assistant Vice President of ODEI, Dr. Randi Congleton will provide an open space via Zoom for anyone who wishes to reflect on or talk about the election, and their feelings surrounding it, in a respectful and safe environment.
Post-Election Resources for Students
The Counseling Center has provided an election stress kit that includes tips and resources to cope with the current national discourse. Don’t miss their tips for unplugging, staying present, refueling, connecting, and doing activities.
For the next two weeks (11/2-11/13), the Counseling Center will have extended hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm for our registered students.
The Counseling Center will also be offering virtual “Safe Space” meetings for students to have a group setting where they can express their thoughts and emotions on the election and its aftermath. These 30 min sessions will be offered twice a week for the next two weeks (11/2-11/13). To register for a session of your choice & receive the Zoom link, please visit Chatham Happenings. Students can choose from the following “Safe Space” Designations:
Feeling positive, but uncertain about the future?
Having a difficult time after the elections?
Feeling positive and hopeful about the elections?
Post-Election Resources for Faculty and Staff
Life Solutions EAP Virtual Support Offerings for Chatham Employees
These virtual sessions offer the opportunity to share your story with your colleagues (or just listen) and will direct you toward support and self care:
November 6 // 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
November 11 // 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
November 17 // Noon – 1:00 pmThe University of Michigan’s guide to Preparing to Teach About the 2020 Election (and After)
The Institute for Democracy & Higher Education at Tufts guide to handling a post-election classroom
James Madison University’s Election Connection and Teaching Around the Election
If you have pre- or post election questions, please contact the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at pcwp@chatham.edu. To schedule an appointment with Chatham’s Counseling Services Center, please contact 412-365-1282.
