The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a multi-campus initiative focused on higher education’s role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy. The project began in 2003 as an initiative of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce graduates who are committed to being active, involved citizens in their communities. The 250 participating colleges and universities, as members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, have been described as “Stewards of Place.” As today’s undergraduates complete their studies and return to their communities, universities must prepare the next generation of citizens to become tomorrow’s “Stewards of Place.”
A Message from the President 9-21-2020
VOTING 2020
Dear KSC Community:
Every four years we have the right granted to us by the Constitution to elect the President of the United States as well as state and local officials. It is our responsibility as citizens and members of the Keene State College community to participate in this process and exercise our right to vote. Our College is a leader in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities American Democracy Project. Keene State College is committed to supporting and developing faculty, staff, and student engagement in the democratic process through campus initiatives focused on service, citizenship, and voting.
Due to increased safety precautions and fewer volunteers, exercising your right to vote this year comes with some challenges. In order to reduce risk for you and your Keene neighbors, and to avoid long lines at the polls on election day, you have a few options:
- OPTION I: If you are planning to vote in Keene, the Keene City Clerk’s Office has created a ONE-STOP PROCESS @ KEENE STATE COLLEGE:
- Please fill out the form at this link KSC Absentee Ballot Application-COVID and email or text back to the city clerk’s office: Keenevotes@ci.keene.nh.us Cell – 603-803-8003
- Select a date (September 30, Oct. 1, 7, or 8) to come to the Student Center Atrium Conference Room (behind the ATM machine) between 10am-4pm, and pick up your registration and/or your absentee ballot. If you are registering you will need to provide proof of age (Driver’s license/Picture ID with date of birth) citizenship (if not U.S. born) and domicile. If you are only picking up an absentee ballot, an ID will do.
For your proof of domicile, KSC provides a list of students who reside on campus to the Keene City Clerk’s Office. They also have a list of some students who are living off campus. Both of these lists are acceptable “proof of domicile.” For all others, a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage with your name and the current address will do.
If you cannot produce the documents listed, you can sign a “Qualified Voter Affidavit” and you CAN still register and vote.
- In the Student Center Atrium Conference Room, you will then pick up your absentee ballot from the City Clerk’s staff, vote, and return to the City Clerk’s staff for placement in the absentee ballot box before you leave the room.
- OPTION II: If you have already registered in a different city in New Hampshire or a different state, you can request an absentee ballot from that municipality. Here is a link for information about requesting absentee ballots from outside of Keene. https://www.vote411.org/search-by-topic?tid_1%5B%5D=14
- OPTION III: You can still register and vote on the day of the election (Nov. 3, 2020). KSC will be providing rides to the polls. However, you will be required to get tested and provide proof of a negative result prior to getting on the van/bus.
If you have questions about registering to vote, please check out City of Keene and the NH Secretary of State’s Office. If you would like to talk to someone at Keene State, please contact Mark Gempler (mgempler@keene.edu) or Kim Schmidl-Gagne (kgagne@keene.edu).
Voting is your right!
Sincerely,
Melinda D. Treadwell, Ph.D.
President, Keene State College
Alumna, Class of 1990