Voting and post-election resources

Dear Ohio State Community:

Tomorrow is Election Day, bringing to an end a long and often intense political campaign season.

Many of us are feeling anxious about the outcome of this high-stakes race. Passions are running high on both sides.

Given the unpredictable nature of elections – a situation that has been magnified significantly by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – it is possible that we will not immediately know the outcome of the contest for the White House.

Due to the nature of elections, this much is certain: There will at some point be a winner and a loser. The matter may well be decided by the courts, as we have seen in years past. But the election will, at some point, be decided.

It is crucial to the maintenance of the foundation of our democracy that we accept this result, and that the discourse and disagreement leading up to that moment – and beyond it – remain peaceful.

I know that as Buckeyes we will do what we always do and come together in a spirit of community and reason. We will express ourselves, but also listen to each other. We will be spirited and express our views strongly, but also respectfully. We will move forward together.

Beyond Election Day, we want Ohio State to be a national model in bringing together people of all backgrounds and experiences for respectful dialogue.

I want to share that the university, in partnership with the nationally recognized Divided Community Project at Moritz College of Law, is launching the “Education for Citizenship Post-Election Dialogue Series.” These virtual presentations, discussions and workshops will cover a range of election-related topics. The first will be “Unpacking the 2020 Election — How we got here and what lies ahead,” a dialogue with Moritz Law election experts on Thursday, November 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. To participate in the webinar, first log in to Carmen Zoom with your Ohio State name.#, then follow this zoom link.

The second virtual event will take place November 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and is titled “Unpacking the 2020 Election — Can we talk?” This event will include brief presentations focused on talking in a positive and productive way about issues that divide us, as well as breakout sessions for small group discussion. Registration information for this event will be shared soon.

As part of these discussions, we are also sharing post-election guides developed by the Divided Community Project specifically for students as well as for faculty and staff. These guides can be used at any time, and I encourage you to download them as a resource moving forward.

These efforts are just some of the many resources and events offered throughout our university, including the Education for Citizenship Initiative, a collaboration between Ohio State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Institutional Equity, as well as the Employee Assistance Program, Office of Student Life, OSU Votes, Your Plan for Health and the Ohio State University Health Plan.

As a land-grant institution, Ohio State takes seriously our role in promoting and supporting public discourse and public service. These are vital to our founding mission and our continued work together.

As I write this, there are still more than 24 hours remaining before the polls close and the final ballots are accepted. Some of us have already cast our votes, either through early voting or by mailing in our absentee ballot.

If you have not yet voted, there is still time to do so. I encourage you to exercise this important right. 

You can still vote in the general election by dropping off your absentee ballot or going to the polls tomorrow. For voting hours, locations and other resources, please visit the Ohio Secretary of State website and OSU Votes website.

Voting is the keystone of our democracy. I am personally very excited to participate this year as part of the Ohio State community. Regardless of whom you support, let’s get out the vote, Buckeyes, and make each of our voices heard.

Thank you for all that you do as Buckeyes to lift up and advance our communities.

Sincerely,

Kristina M. Johnson, PhD

President