Civic Engagement and Voter Empowerment
At Gavilan College, we value nurturing democratic citizenship in our students. Community College student voices impact our national, state and local elections. We provide nonpartisan voter engagement information and events to help students get more involved in our democracy.
***Register & Vote in the Presidential General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024***
Take Action
Get Personalized Ballot & Candidate Information
Work at a Vote Center/Polling Place
How to Vote
County elections officials mail ballots to all active registered voters about a month before the election. You choose whether to vote in person at your voting location or return the ballot you received either by mail or by dropping it off.
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By Mail: If you wish to use the mailed ballot instead of voting in person, fill it out and mail it back early so that it is postmarked no later than Election Day. You do not need a stamp to mail back your ballot in the return envelope provided.
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Dropoff: You may drop off your ballot at any voting location in your county. Your county will also open secure ballot drop-off locations starting about a month before Election Day.
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Gavilan College has a Ballot Drop Box on the Gilroy Campus across from the Bookstore in the Student Center Building. It is avaliable 24/7 starting October 7th until 8 p.m. Election Day.
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In Person: For voting in person on Election Day, the polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm.
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Community Foundation for San Benito (next door to the Briggs Building) Satellite Office will be open on ELECTION DAY ONLY, from 7am-8pm.
- Source: California Secretary of State
Voter Competitions
Gavilan College is participating in two voter registration competitions:
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The California University and College Ballot Bowl is a friendly competition where higher education campuses compete to register the most students to vote and showcase civic engagement efforts. The California Secretary of State Students Vote Project hosts the Ballot Bowl only during an even numbered year ahead of the general election. See our real time status here.
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The Community College Concert Competition is a nationwide, nonpartisan effort to turn out student voters at 2-year institutions, and entry is EXCLUSIVE to community colleges. The winner will receive a free concert by a major recording artist on their campus on Vote Early Day (October 29th). Sponsored by Levi’s and SHOWTIME/MTV.
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
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"Rocky the Vote" National Voter Registration Day Event
- Hollister: 9:00am to 12:00pm @ Student Lounge
- Gilroy: 11:30am to 1:30pm @ the Lawn by the Library
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Thursday, October 10, 2024
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Voter Registration Information Table
- Gilroy: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM @ Student Center
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Tuesday, October 15, 2024
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Voter Registration Information Table
- Hollister: 9:00am to 12:00pm @ Community Corner
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Monday, October 21, 2024
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LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION
- Note that you can “conditionally” register and vote at your county elections office after the 15-day voter registration deadline.
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Saturday, October 26, 2024
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VOTE CENTERS OPEN FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION
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October 29, 2024
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Vote Early Day Event
- Hollister: 11:00am to 1:00pm @ the Student Lounge
- Gilroy: 11:00am to 1:00pm @ the Student Center
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Tuesday, November 5, 2024
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PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION
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Monday, December 2, 2024
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Voter Registration Information Table
- Hollister: 9:00am to 12:00pm @ Community Corner
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Thursday, December 5, 2024
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Voter Registration Information Table
- Gilroy: 11:30am to 1:30pm @ Student Center
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Contact
Jacquie Martin
Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement
Civic and Voter Empowerment Coordinator
jmartin@gavilan.edu
Affiliations
