Why Your Vote Matters: Election 2022

November 3, 2022

With the election drawing near, I am writing to remind you about the importance of using your voice to cast your vote, as well as to share with you the breadth of resources available to our campus community for information and support. 

I grew up at a time when my family, like many others, faced enormous barriers to voting. Even the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 — which legally eliminated those barriers — did not stop acts of violence and intimidation. I vividly remember the threats directed toward my grandmother, who worked passionately to register African Americans who had never been able to vote before. So, I do not take the right to vote for granted because I know how it can change communities and open opportunities. 

This election year in California, in addition to considering public officials, there are propositions on the ballot that can have consequential impacts on education, work, and other socio-economic conditions. I encourage you to closely read and evaluate them all. 

Our democracy relies on the engagement of an informed electorate. To that end, the Division of Student Affairs with the help of Associated Students Inc. and the Office of Government and External Affairs have collaborated to develop www.cpp.edu/vote, a comprehensive resource for the 2022 election. This website includes non-partisan information on voting options, important dates, links to information on candidates and issues under consideration and election-related events. 

Cal Poly Pomona has partnered with the Los Angeles County Registrar to host a Vote Center in the Bronco Student Center through Election Day. Any eligible voters who are residents of Los Angeles County may vote in person or drop off their ballot at the center. Additional information about the Vote Center, including hours of operation, is available on the election website. For those members of our campus community who are not LA County residents, I encourage you to seek additional information from the election officials in your home county or from the California Secretary of State. 

Election season can also be a stressful and anxiety-provoking time. Please know that campus resources are available to support you. Students may reach out to Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at 909-869-3220. Faculty and staff can call 1-800-367-7474  or visit the CPPLifeMatters website. 

I invite all members of our campus community to engage in the political process and to do so as members of a community dedicated to expanding knowledge and fostering inclusion.