Having previously worked at a digital marketing firm in New Delhi, Inayat Kaur decided to expand her learning by pursuing a master's degree in Strategic Communication at Columbia SPS. 2020 has been a tumultuous year, but that isn't stopping her from doing her part to get out the vote.
A global pandemic, social injustice and financial tumult. As an international student studying amidst a trifecta of these unusual circumstances in the U.S., along with the added pressure of the upcoming 2020 election, this year has been all-too overwhelming.
Fortunately for us, SPS is here to provide tremendous help to students by demystifying and simplifying the voting process. In light of COVID-19’s impact on how and where students, faculty and staff will engage with each other during the run up to Election Day 2020, the ‘SPS Gets Out the Vote’ campaign is really helpful when it comes to engaging and educating all students.
Fortunately for us, SPS is here to provide tremendous help to students by demystifying and simplifying the voting process."
It’s important to know that this election, like all elections, affects everyone learning and living in this country—citizens and international students alike. ‘SPS Gets Out the Vote’ has resources to help us better understand our part in the American electoral system as well as the pressing issues being discussed in this election.
Voting and participating in federal, state and local elections are some of the most important duties one has as an American citizen. With that being said, the electoral system may often feel confusing or even overwhelming. Don’t worry—SPS is here to help you cast your ballot with complete confidence. Having partnered with Motivote, you can sign into the platform here to register to vote or see if you’re registered, find your polling place, request a mail-in ballot and even encourage your friends and classmates to get out the vote!
Voting and participating in federal, state and local elections are some of the most important duties one has as an American citizen."
The amazing thing about this campaign is that it also connects international students with ways to participate in the conversation and help ensure their friends who are eligible to vote cast a ballot on election day. You can start by educating yourself about American politics and government. Luckily, there are a lot of great resources to understanding the basics of it all, including reputable news sources and non-profit voter education sites (start with this BBC News article).
It’s also important to find trusted, legitimate, non-partisan news sources. There’s a lot of information out there—some of it is great, some of it is questionable and some of it is just plain incorrect. Be sure that you are looking at the factual news, and not just opinions or social media posts. Also consider using the fact-checking operations offered by trusted journalism sources including The Associated Press, Reuters and The Poynter Institute.
There’s a lot of information out there—some of it is great, some of it is questionable and some of it is just plain incorrect."
While you may not be able to cast a ballot, you can make sure your American friends do. Even though many of them are stuck at home, they all still have busy lives, so it’s easy to forget to make a plan to vote. As this election affects everyone, including non-citizens living and studying in the U.S., you can play a part in making sure they get out the vote!
Finally, always remember to keep things in perspective. If you don’t understand something, that’s okay. Adjusting to a new country’s politics and its electoral system can often feel like learning a new language. What’s important is deepening your understanding of life in the U.S. and connecting with other students, faculty and staff around issues that are important to them and to you!
Adjusting to a new country’s politics and its electoral system can often feel like learning a new language."
If you're looking for additional resources, keep an eye out for the SPS Election 2020 Speaker Series, which brings leading voices on the history of the American electoral system to SPS. Learn more about the historical context about who gets to vote, how we vote and what informs our vote in the United States. All lectures will be held virtually and will feature a Q&A with the guest speaker. You can visit this page to get a full list of upcoming events.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any other person or entity.
