The 2022 election season is underway. For the UNC Charlotte community, the 49er Democracy Experience offers a dynamic, nonpartisan platform for learning about and engaging in civic life. The 49er Democracy Experience involves students in local, state and national elections through voter registration, voter education and voter mobilization. It is made up of a committee of stakeholders from across campus whose members develop the University’s strategic approach to campus-wide student voting initiatives.
Upcoming offerings:
Do We Need a Constitution?
10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 19, Cato College of Education Building
A bitterly divided nation, an insurrection at the Capitol, growing disparities between rich and poor and Black and white, legislative gridlock and a Supreme Court meant to resolve disputes now widening America’s deep fissures. Is the Constitution to blame? The short answer is no: These issues reflect the shortcomings of both our leaders and ourselves. But, in the oft-heard declaration that “We are a nation of laws,” the Constitution, as the supreme law of the land, has not provided a framework to help us out of this mess. To the contrary, the Constitution may be making things worse. Can we fix it, or will American governance become at best a muddle and at worst a threat to our republic? Pre-registration requested.
National Voter Registration Day
1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20
Drop by Atkins Library to be election ready by Nov. 8. Receive help to register to vote, check your registration status, request a mail-in ballot and more. You can learn more about how to vote in Election 2022 in our campus election guide.
Donut Forget to Vote
Noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21
The 49er Democracy Experience is hosting Donut Forget to Vote in front of the Popp Martin Student Union. Stop by to register, drop off the form you printed and signed from our TurboVote site or ask your questions about the voting process. Your voice matters. If you are not registered to vote, and if you have questions about election processes, we can help. We will be greeting all students with delicious donuts.
Party to the Polls
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21, Belk Plaza
Party to the Polls is an event in collaboration between the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement and NCPIRG designed to make voter registration fun, accessible and less intimidating. You can register to vote, play some games, enjoy a small snack and learn about our democracy all at the same time.
Key dates for the upcoming election
- Deadline to register: Friday, Oct. 14
- Early Voting: Thursday, Oct. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 5
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 8
TurboVote is available for voter registration assistance
UNC Charlotte’s voter registration strategy is centered on its partnership with TurboVote, a nonpartisan company that guides users through the voter registration process. Using a UNC Charlotte email address, faculty, staff and students can sign up at charlotte.turbovote.org. TurboVote guides users through the voter registration and absentee ballot request process. The platform sends users text messages and email reminders when registration or voting deadlines are approaching. Reminders are sent for elections at every level of government: local, state and federal.
Check voter registration and view sample ballot
To check your registration status or view your sample ballot, use the NC Voter Lookup Tool.
Voter engagement resources
Election Engagement 101 (fall 2022)
Facilitating Civil Discourse in Polarizing Times
For more information about the 49er Democracy Experience or to get involved, email Tamara Johnson (tamarajohnson@uncc.edu) and follow us on Instagram at 49ers_vote.