President Eddinger on Election Day and Post-Election Reflections and Resources
Monday, November 2, 2020
Bunker Hill Community College | Office of the President
Dear BHCC Community,
As I am sure you know, tomorrow, November 3, is Election Day in the United States. In the 232 years, since we elected the first U.S. President in 1788, we have held 58 elections, through a Civil War, two World Wars, and many other crises. All of these elections are examples of a core principle of democracy: the peaceful transfer of power.
We do not know what this year’s Presidential Election will hold for us. We may not even have the answer to “who won?” until days or weeks after Election Day. What we do know, however, is that we are living through a time of unprecedented political, economic, and racial division, all across the backdrop of a global pandemic. Understandably, we are all feeling varying levels of apprehension right now. This apprehension could lead some of us to question our election process and election outcomes without the ability to process in person as a campus community. Democracy depends on adherence to the rules of the game, even if that takes time. After Election Day, we must chart a path back to national unity — both in recognizing the eventual winner and in rejecting any improper attempts to undermine the results.
We have many reasons to celebrate this election, including high rates of expected voter turnout and heroic work being done by election officials and poll workers in our communities to execute safe and secure elections during a pandemic. It is a hugely impressive accomplishment for our democracy, and the more people invested in our nation's success, the better.
If you have not already cast a ballot by mail or through early voting, I urge you to take appropriate COVID-19 safety measures and do so before the polls close tomorrow evening. Help shape the future of our communities, state, and country. Make your voice be heard. Your vote matters! We are all in this together. Additionally, I am pleased to share the following resources:
National and State Resources:
- Make a plan to vote if you have not cast your ballot yet! Find out how you can mail it in, drop it off, or vote in person. Ballots must be dropped off or postmarked by November 3 to be counted.
- Need just a specific voting resource?
- First thing, confirm the address on your voter registration,
- If you are dropping off your ballot, check where your town’s official boxes are,
- If you are voting in person, check your Polling Locations and make sure to grab your mask and have any identification you need before leaving!
- Read up on our 2 ballot questions in MA.
- Already Voted? Track your ballot!
- Be ready to contact your newly elected officials as they start their next terms. Voting is the first step to ensure your issues are heard!
We have identified various resources for further exploration and individual reflection, contact information for counseling services and open student spaces, and BHCC Community Events that offer a space to collectively reflect on the 2020 Election. Please visit the BHCC Post Election Reflections and Resource page. Join us as we process the results of the 2020 Election together.
Pam Y. Eddinger, PhD
President