EASTERN NEWSROOM

Your Future, Your Vote

Voter education week

October 14, 2020 By David Meany
The Washington State Capitol with blossoming cherry trees

Eastern Washington University will host a series of virtual forums and town halls designed to inform students, faculty, staff and the community about critical issues and races as we inch closer to the Nov. 3 election.

The College of Social Sciences’ (CSS) Your Future, Your Vote virtual event will run Oct. 19-23. This voter engagement and education week will feature experts from EWU and Spokane County offering insights into some of our state and nation’s most pressing issues – including voter suppression and security, the history of the electoral college and the rise of private militias.

“Voting is our most important right and duty as citizens,” says Vernon Loke, PhD, associate dean of CSS and professor of Social Work at EWU. “This event is designed to inform and involve our students and the broader community in the process as we vote and stake out our future.”

During the week, candidates for governor as well as the 5th District U.S. House race and 6th District legislative race will take part in a series of virtual town halls.

Spokane City Council President Breean Beggs will deliver the keynote address from noon-1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19. The lineup also includes Spokane County Auditor Vicki Dalton, who will address efforts to make voting secure and accessible. In addition, Travis Ridout, PhD, will discuss the issue of voter suppression the U.S. Ridout is the Thomas S. Foley Distinguished Professor of Government and Public Policy Director, School of Politics Philosophy and Public Affairs at WSU.

Please visit ewu.edu/vote for the full list of events, line-up of speakers and how to connect via Zoom.