Argos Vote
At the University of West Florida, we encourage our students to be actively engaged citizens. Voting is one of the most important ways you can contribute to the future of our country. The University has developed a list of frequently asked questions and resources regarding voting during the General Election and UWF policies.
General Voting Information
How can I vote?
You must be a registered voter to vote. Florida’s registration deadline is Monday, October 7, 2024.
How do I request and vote with a vote-by-mail ballot?
Visit the Florida Department of State Vote-by-Mail page for more information.
How can I register to vote?
Voter registration information at the University may be obtained in the Office of Campus Culture and Access or Student Engagement.
Voter Registration Information:
When and where can I vote early at UWF?
UWF is serving as an early voting location for the General Election from Monday, October 21, through Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All voters registered in Escambia County may vote early at UWF in Building 78, Room 136.
Where do I vote on Election Day?
To locate your designated voting precinct, visit Escambia County Vote Precinct Finder page.
Who is responsible for the polling location at UWF?
The Supervisor of Elections office is responsible for the polling location.
For more information and frequently asked questions on voting, visit Escambia County Vote FAQ page. Students may also visit Campus Vote Project to learn how you can vote.
What do I need to bring with me to vote?
You must present a photo ID with a signature when you vote. If your photo ID does not contain a signature, you will be asked to provide an additional identification with your signature. Approved forms of photo ID are:
- Florida driver’s license
- Florida ID card
- United States passport
- Debit or credit card
- Military identification
- Student identification
- Retirement center identification
- Neighborhood association identification
- Public assistance identification
- Concealed Weapon License
- Veterans Administration Card
- Government Employee ID: Federal, State, County or City
Relevant Policies
The University of West Florida values public expression. Please see the various policies and regulations below. Contact the Dean of Students Office if you have any questions at 850.474.2384 or deanofstudents@uwf.edu.
Reg. 5.050 - Speech, Assembly and Public Expression in Outdoor Areas on Campus
Supporting Our Students
The safety and well-being of our students is one of the University’s top priorities. During this election season, you may feel elevated stress and uncertainty. The following resources are available to UWF students.
UWF Counseling and Psychological Services offers a variety of counseling opportunities, including individual and group teletherapy.
Counseling: Counseling provides the opportunity to explore personal concerns one-on-one with a counselor. Students are free to talk about many different topics in counseling, which can range from concerns about getting along with a roommate to addressing symptoms of mental health challenges. To get started, please call 850.474.2420.
Therapy Assistance Online (TAO): TAO is a web-based program that offers engaging, interactive modules to teach life skills and help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. TAO is confidential, free and available to all students. All students are encouraged to utilize TAO modules to strengthen skills to cope with anxiety, depression, stress management and more. TAO is an interactive web-based self-help program that is available 24/7. Access TAO anonymously at uwf.edu/tao.
Togetherall: UWF students can access free anonymous online mental health support with Togetherall, any time, any day. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you to explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. To learn more or join Togetherall, visit uwf.edu/togetherall.
The Dean of Students Office is available to help students experiencing challenging or difficult life circumstances which might impede academic success. Students can contact Dean of Students Office by email at deanofstudents@uwf.edu, by phone at 850.474.2384 or in person in Building 18, Room 150.
UWF is committed to supporting and encouraging a full and open discourse and the robust exchange of ideas and perspectives on our respective campuses. Visit uwf.edu/occa to join the conversation or submit a topic for an event.
Supporting Our Employees
We are aware of growing anticipation in our workplaces and communities surrounding the 2024 General Election. While we recognize the long-standing idea that the workplace is no place for politics, we also know that politics can be extremely personal. Regardless of outcome or political preferences, our colleagues will be affected by the election.
With this in mind, we encourage you to take this election as an opportunity to lean into your values and emphasize your commitment to inclusive spaces. Also, it is important to acknowledge that the final outcome may take longer than in previous elections to confirm.
Below are helpful resources supervisors can use to support employees. If you or your team members need any additional support, please contact Human Resources at hr@uwf.edu.
- Look at your calendar during election week and proactively rearrange as needed. What needs to happen this week? What can wait?
- If it’s necessary to attend meetings next week, can they be shortened? Can you allow more cameras to be off?
Consider creating a contingency plan to address significant concerns that may impact employees’ well-being and productivity at work. While some may take a "business as usual" attitude, this may not be possible for other employees. In fact, the worst possible response to such trauma being experienced by some employees is to ignore it and expect them to act as if they are unaffected.
Potential Actions to Consider:
- Check with staff to determine if they need/want an opportunity to safely express emotions and where they wish to express these emotions. It may not be with your immediate team and that's okay.
- Allow staff to take a "mental health day” (by using sick leave) or if they do come to work, allow them to lighten their workload for the day without penalty.
- Therapy Assistance Online: Therapy Assistance Online is a web-based program that offers engaging, interactive modules to teach life skills and help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. TAO is confidential, free and available to all UWF faculty and staff.
- Aetna Resources for Living: UWF is contracted with Aetna Resources for Living to provide an Employee Assistance Program for employees and their family members. The Employee Assistance Program helps employees resolve personal and work problems through professional assistance. Employees may contact Aetna directly by calling their toll-free number 800.272.7252. All services and calls are strictly confidential between the employee and Aetna. The username and password for University employees and family members is UWF (must be in all capital letters). Brochures are also available through the Human Resources department.
Actions not to consider:
- Say "we'll all get through this."
- Expect staff to be ok, cheery or their normal selves.
- Ask for impacted staff to show up or lead a community-based healing hour for students impacted by the results before they are ready.
- Carry on as "Business as usual."