Election 2024 Education Events
Engaging communities in discussions not only enhances understanding of the electoral process but also promotes civil discourse, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in shaping the future of governance. Through leadership, collaboration and a deep commitment to civic engagement, Bucknell aims to create a robust infrastructure for voter registration, education and civil discourse leading up to the fall 2024 elections in the U.S. and abroad. By fostering meaningful dialogues around both domestic and international elections, Bucknell seeks to underscore the importance of voter education as a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Election Education Events
Bison Votes and the All-In Democracy Challenge
Voter Registration Events: Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, on campus
Center for Community Engaged Leadership, Learning & Research; Division of Equity & Inclusive Excellence; Division of Student Affairs
The Democracy Challenge 2024 is a campuswide action plan to coordinate electoral engagement activities. A major component is Bison Votes, a nonpartisan effort to encourage voter registration and engage students collaboratively as community-based researchers, strategic planners and civic implementers.
By partnering with the League of Women Voters and other community partners, the initiative seeks to expand its work in surrounding communities, as well as to partner with existing student involvement across issues and with community and Bucknell leaders.
Learn more at allinchallenge.org
Campus Voter Registration Events
Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Locations:
- Holmes Hall (Rain location: Holmes Hall lobby)
- Bertrand Library (Rain location: Library lobby)
- Elaine Langone Center uphill entrance (Rain location: Uphill lobby)
- Elaine Langone Center downhill entrance (Rain location: Downhill lobby)
- MacDonald Commons (Rain location: cafe and patio area)
- Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center (KLARC) (Rain location: KLARC lobby)
- Behind 7th Street (Rain location: TBD)
Communicate Through Disagreement Using the Dignity Index
Oct. 8, 5–6:30 p.m., CommUnity Zone, 328 Market St., Lewisburg, RSVP by Oct. 1
Center for Community Engaged Leadership, Learning & Research; Susquehanna Valley Mediation Center
The Center for Community Engaged Leadership, Learning and Research in collaboration with the Susquehanna Valley Mediation Center will host "I Can't Believe You/I Said That!" facilitated by Susan Jordan, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the CommUnity Zone on Market Street in Lewisburg. This interactive workshop is an opportunity for participants to explore communication and disagreement through the Dignity Index, an eight-point scale that measures the level of contempt or dignity in speech. Through presentation, small group discussion and storytelling, participants will learn practical tools to help them communicate when they disagree.
Constitution Day Lecture
Oct. 21, 7 p.m., ELC Gallery Theatre
Department of Philosophy, sponsored by the Putterman Fund and the Legal Studies Program
The annual Constitution Day Lecture will be delivered by Professor Vincent Phillip Muñoz, the Tocqueville Professor of Political Science and Concurrent Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame. Muñoz is also the Founding Director of Notre Dame's Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government. He specializes in constitutional law, American politics and political philosophy, particularly focusing on religious liberty and the American Founding. His most recent book, Religious Liberty and the American Founding: Natural Rights and the Original Meanings of the First Amendment Religion Clauses (2022), was published by the University of Chicago Press.
Following the lecture, a reading group will convene to discuss his article "Two Concepts of Religious Liberty: The Natural Rights and Moral Autonomy Approaches to the Free Exercise of Religion." All members of the University community are welcome to participate, and light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the article, please email Jeff Turner at turner@bucknell.edu.
Dignity & Dialogue Circles
Oct. 17, 9 a.m.–noon, Nov. 4, 1–4 p.m., Nov. 21, 9 a.m.–noon, and Dec. 9, 9 a.m.–noon, ELC 241BCD
Division of Equity & Inclusive Excellence
Dignity & Dialogue Circles are sessions where people from various backgrounds and perspectives come together to discuss important topics. The goal is to create a space where dignity, collaboration and empathy can thrive. Circles focused on political division and civility will be held in advance of and after the U.S. general election.
Thursday, Oct. 17
9 a.m.–noon, ELC 241BCD
Topic: Political Division
RSVP
Monday, Nov. 4
1–4 p.m., ELC 241BCD
Political Division
RSVP
Thursday, Nov. 21
9 a.m.–noon, ELC 241BCD
Maintaining Civility Post-election
RSVP
Monday, Dec. 9
9 a.m.–noon, ELC 241BCD
Maintaining Civility Post-election
RSVP
Disagree Better: Tools for Talking in Contentious Times
Oct. 14, 6:30–8 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m., Aerea Event Space, 700 Hepburn St., Milton
League of Women Voters of Northumberland County
The League of Women Voters of Northumberland County will host "Disagree Better: Tools for Talking in Contentious Times," an interactive workshop designed to develop practical tools to help us communicate (or disagree better) with friends, family and neighbors, whether about politics or over Thanksgiving dinner.
Facilitated by Susan Jordan from Susquehanna Valley Mediation.
Political Science Department Election Series
Sept. 12, Sept. 26 and Oct. 10, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Academic West 108
Department of Political Science
To help the campus understand the importance of these elections worldwide, and to help inform the campus of the key dynamics shaping the U.S. presidential race, the Department of Political Science will host three lunchtime panels covering elections that have already occurred around the world and previewing the U.S. election. Political science faculty members with expertise in each country will provide brief presentations on their elections and take questions. Pizza and salad will be provided at each panel, which will take place on the following dates:
Thursday, Sept. 12
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Academic West 108
Europe, Mexico and South Africa
Professors Christina Xydias, Doug Hecock and John Doces
Thursday, Sept. 26
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Academic West 108
India, Taiwan and Iran
Professors Soundarya Chidambaram, Zhiqun Zhu and Kelly Stedem
Thursday, Oct. 10
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Academic West 108
U.S. General Election
Professors Scott Meinke, Chris Ellis and Michael James with guest Stacy Richards, Union County Commissioner
Voter Registration Workshops
Oct. 1, 8, 10 and 17, 5–6 pm, Academic West 115
Student Voting Coalition
Questions about the registration process? Stop by one of the workshops with your questions.