UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On Nov. 5, all Penn State students and community members are encouraged to make their voices heard by voting in the 2019 general election. The polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. This year’s election will determine several county and municipal positions.
“People often focus on presidential and U.S. congressional elections. But our day-to-day lives are often more directly impacted by decisions and actions of local government,” said Tim Balliett, director for the Center for Character, Conscience, and Public Purpose at Penn State.
For students, who spend about 10 months of the year in their local college area, local government decisions impact their lives in many ways. For example, local government makes decisions related to funding for CATA bus and other public transportation; parking regulations; zoning and apartment regulations; local police and public safety, noise, alcohol, and marijuana ordinances; allocations for parks and recreation programs. Local elections also decide district and county judges who determine sentences for violations of the law and civil suits.
Where to find your polling place
Students at all Penn State campuses who are registered to vote at their local addresses can find their polling place online.
Students at University Park who are registered to vote in State College and live on campus, will generally vote in the HUB-Robeson Center. However:
- Students living in White Course Apartments will vote in 108 Weston Center
- Students living in Atherton, Holmes, Leete, Robinson, and Runkle Halls will vote at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 250 E. College Ave., downtown State College
Students who are registered to vote in their hometown, can learn more about absentee ballots online.
“Given the smaller number of eligible voters for local elections, one vote has a tremendous impact,” said Balliett. “I encourage students to learn more about local candidates and their positions.”
Candidate information
Students voting in State College and surrounding areas can find out who is on the ballot in their precinct and learn about candidates through the League of Women Voters of Centre County voter’s guide. All students can find more about upcoming elections, where and how to vote, why to vote and resources to learn about candidates at www.psuvotes.psu.edu.