Bears Vote Coalition

Civic Engagement at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

The University of Northern ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Bears Vote Coalition actively champions voter and civic engagement initiatives for the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ campus community. The Coalition is responsible for ensuring that voter engagement efforts are non-partisan, coordinated and promoted throughout the institution, legally compliant, and in strategic alignment with student learning outcomes and Rowing, Not Drifting 2030.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is one of the best campuses in the nation for voter engagement

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge named ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ as one of the top colleges in the U.S. for non-partisan civic engagement and voter education. ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½'s ALL IN supplements our designation as a Voter Friendly Campus.

Making Voting Easy for Bears

We’re proud to support a campus culture where voting is accessible and encouraged.

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Bears Vote Highlights:

  • Mail-in ballots have been standard in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ since 2013
  • is hosted right here on campus
  • available for added convenience
  • ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ has proudly participated in the since 2016—and we’ve been nationally recognized for our high voter turnout.

The Bears Vote team poses for a photo.

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Be Prepared to Vote

  1. to vote. Make a public commitment and encourage your friends to vote, too! 
  2. To register to vote in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, you must: 
    • Be 18 years of age or older by Election Day, 
    • Be a United States citizen, 
    • Have resided in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ 22 days immediately before the election at which you intend to vote, and 
    • Not currently be serving a sentence of confinement or detention for a felony conviction.  
    • Note: You can only vote once per election cycle, in one location. 
  1.  
  2. . Students attending ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ have the right to register and vote in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ if they reside here and meet the eligibility requirements. For more information about voting as a college student in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, . 
  3. Make a plan to vote. Research issues and candidates, schedule time to fill out your ballot, and arrange transportation, if you need it. Having a voting plan helps ensure you can cast your ballot and address any potential barriers early. 
  4. or ! Know your . Fun fact: your ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Bear ID is a valid form of . 

Can I Vote if I...

Have a disability?

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Yes. Every voter has the right to cast a private and independent ballot. The ADA requires public entities to ensure that people with disabilities can  

Am currently unhoused?

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Yes. Every eligible voter has the right to vote in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. Voters without a fixed permanent address  

Am active military or living overseas?

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Yes. ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ citizens living outside the US and all active military personnel absent from ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ . 

Bears Vote Goals, Involvement and Other Helpful Information

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Primary Election – June 30

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  1. Increase registered voters in the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ community and voter turnout 
  2. Increase non-partisan civic education, voter education, and political discourse programming and initiatives 
  3. Regularly engage key campus partners in the procedural and logistical parts of voting on campus to make sure that students, faculty, and staff know how to vote, where to vote, and local election laws 
  4. Strengthen partnership between the University and local elections officials and community organizations 
  5. Maintain designation as a  

 

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Coalition Members

  • Co-Chairs: 
    • Dr. Colleen Sonnentag, Dean of Student Development  
    • Blaine Nickeson, Assistant Vice President of Administration 
  • Logistics Team:  
    • Jay Dinges, Executive Director of Campus Services (Co-Lead) 
    • Stephanie Jones, Assistant Dean of Student Development (Co-Lead) 
    • Dr. Chris Marston, Associate Dean & Professor of Economics 
    • Carly Koppes, Weld County Clerk and Recorder 
    • Patrick Gallagher, Commander, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Police Department 
  • Engagement Team: 
    • Dr. Chris Cobb, Executive Director of Student Engagement (Lead) 

Coalition Partners

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ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

If you have questions about voting or want to be involved in the Bears Vote Coalition, please email the Department of Student Affairs (dsa@unco.edu). 

Election Stress

Election stress is real. Take care of yourself and fellow bears by using some of these resources and strategies.

Our Stats

NSLVE Reports

Review our reports.