Everything you need to know for Election Day on Nov. 5

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, more than the presidential election will be on the ballot. Depending on where they live, voters might choose members of Congress, state and local officials and judges or even weigh in on specific ballot measures - decisions that directly impact communities.

While voting wasn't always a guaranteed right in the U.S., today citizens aged 18 or older can participate in one of the most hallowed practices foundational to the American experience, regardless of race, religion, sex, disability or sexual orientation. Whether this is your first election or your 25th, take the time to ensure your voice is heard and honor the suffragettes, civil rights workers and countless others who have fought to make voting accessible.

In 2020, about two-thirds of eligible voters cast their ballot in the presidential election, but voters under age 30 represented just 15% of all 2020 voters, according to the Pew Research Center.

The University established the Pitt Votes initiative in 2019 to make it easier for the Pitt community to vote and to stimulate greater civic engagement across the student body. This nonpartisan organization provides resources to help you register to vote regardless of where you live.

Pitt has a proud tradition of opening its campuses to support the democratic process. Public service is a part of Pitt's mission as a public university, and civic engagement is a core value of the University community.

Allegheny County is holding satellite office locations where county residents may register to vote, apply for a mail in ballot, have it printed on site and return it to county staff. Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, located near campus, is one such site.

Follow these tips to navigate Election Day with confidence. By registering to vote ahead of time, finding your polling place, knowing when polls open and close and preparing for potential wait times, you'll be ready to make your voice heard.