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Civic & Community Engagement

Navigating Elections

Local, state, and national elections can have a profound impact on our community in a variety of ways. Here you will find a collection of resources intended to help manage election-related stress, engage in constructive dialogue, and connect to others through civic involvement.

Recognizing that each of us respond differently, this hub is designed to be a centralized resource for all members of our community. In connection with the W&M Elections Barometer, scroll to explore support that meets your level of interest in this election season.

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Signal Your Interest: An Election Barometer

Engage Confidently— At Your Own Pace
Election season causes us to experience a great deal of uncertainty. Connect with W&M resources, signal your interest, and engage at your pace.

  • Understand what W&M resources & supports are available.
  • Learn where to go for dialogue & communication.
  • Discover opportunities to explore civic action.

Know that wherever your interest falls on the Election Barometer, campus resources will meet you where you are.

View Full PDF

Services & Supports

Many people are feeling increased stress given this year's election, which is a natural and reasonable response to uncertainty. While many aspects of the election are beyond your control, you can shift your focus towards taking proactive steps to take care of yourself through services and supports offered to all in our community. 

Download PDF guides for:

Managing Election Stress Responding to Election Stress Supporting Your Team

Campus Resources for Self-Care

Resources are available to members of our campus community looking for help managing self-care during stressful periods. 

Spaces for Processing & Reflection

  • Care Support Services Zen Zone

    Reserve time in Care Support Service's Zen Zone where you will find a relaxing space with twinkle lights, meditation cushions, and mindfulness activities. Those interested can stop by the Care Support Services Suite, Sadler 161, or email care@wm.edu to reserve.

  • Center for Student Diversity

    The Center for Student Diversity, located on the second floor of the Sadler Center in suite 268, will have a private space available for quiet reflection and processing. Those interested should stop by and connect with front desk staff to access the space.

  • Meditation Alcoves - Wellness Center

    Meditation alcoves are sensory sensitive spaces available for meditative practice and prayer. The alcoves are available for students who may need a personal quiet space for reflection and relaxation. Reservations are not needed during this time.

  • Meditation Room - Sadler Center

    The Meditation Room is located in the Sadler Center. It is open for use whenever the Sadler Center is open. The room provides a peaceful and calm space for quiet reflection or individual prayer as well as meditation. It is open to all regardless of religious affiliation.

Election Reflection & Resource Events

Wellness Events

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Learn & Dialogue

Some in our community are ready to learn more about the election process and how to participate in meaningful conversations with others about the election. The resources here will guide you as you gain a deeper understanding of issues and engage in constructive dialogues with others.

Personal Reflection & Conversation Guide

W&M Democracy News

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W&M Better Arguments

"While engaging across difference can be uncomfortable, there are tools and guiding principles to help when we encounter speech that unsettles us. The Aspen Institute’s Better Arguments framework highlights such principles, noting, “American civic life doesn’t need fewer arguments, it needs better arguments.” At W&M we have chosen to embrace the principles of a better argument to give us a common language and healthy strategies for responding to conflict and disagreement:

Take winning off the table. Lead with a desire to understand and learn. 

Prioritize relationships & listen passionately. Focus on building honest connections. 

Pay attention to context. Acknowledge the many factors that may influence beliefs.  

Embrace vulnerability.  Consider the benefits of opening up. 

Make room to transform. Be open to new and varied perspective."

— Senior Vice President for Student Affairs & Public Safety Ginger Ambler

 

Read the full Practicing Constructive Civil Discourse email sent to students on Aug. 27, 2024.

When Will Results Be In?

In 2020, it took major news outlets several days to declare a presidential election winner. While many states have made changes to speed up their vote-counting process, results in the most competitive (and likely decisive) states in the presidential election may still take days to count from Election Day this year. On the local level, where margins are sometimes just a handful of votes, it is rare but not unheard of for results to take weeks to certify. 

Virginia elections results will be continually updated by the Virginia Dept of Elections 

Learn more about our electoral system of results, canvassing, and certification to understand potential prolonged results, from the US Election Assistance Commission. 

You can also explore the U.S. Elections & Political Behavior research guide from W&M Libraries to help you conduct research on elections and voting, turnout, campaigns and nominations, electoral administration, and more, both in the United States and internationally.

Democracy Initiative Events

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Engagement & Action

Voting in elections is one way to participate democratically. You can also contribute to our democracy and broader communities by including people in processes that affect them, participating in service with others, and sharing your perspective through advocacy or activism.

Meet with Civic & Community Engagement staff members to discuss your involvement in practicing democracy

Engagement & Action

Expression on Campus

Expression on Campus

William & Mary supports free speech, both as a founding principle of our country and as an inherent part of our University mission. We encourage civil discourse around challenging subjects and strive to ensure a campus environment where every community member can participate openly, and we reject hatred and discrimination as contrary to our values of belonging and respect.

Learning how to engage in productive and respectful discussions about sensitive and complex issues is a hallmark of the educational experience. To that end, there are offices across campus that can help you hone your speech skills and offer you opportunities to become more effectively engaged: 

The university has also established content-neutral restrictions on the time, place and manner where speech can occur. Details on applicable restrictions can be found in the following policies:

Support & Reporting Resources

Do you recognize a student in need?  
Approach them privately and refer them to the W&M Counseling Center or file a Care Concern.

If you witness behavior that is concerning, please report through Report a Concern (for harassment of protected class) or a Care Concern (for concerns about student wellbeing or disruptive behavior). Always call 911 in cases of emergency or when there are immediate safety concerns. 

More Information About Reporting