Elon’s civic engagement efforts during the 2026 midterm election season include voter registration, educational programs, Election Day resources and opportunities for dialogue before and after the election.
As the nation prepares for the midterm elections, Elon University will offer a range of civic engagement opportunities to help the university community participate in the democratic process. Through voter registration, educational programs and facilitated dialogues, students, faculty and staff can access resources to make informed decisions and engage in conversations before, during and after Election Day.
Elon University is deeply committed to civic and political engagement. The university’s Commitment to the Values of Freedom of Expression and Inclusivity is available on the Council on Civic Engagement website and included in student, staff and faculty handbooks. Elon also provides guidelines for political activities and demonstrations.
Throughout election season, Elon will offer a range of resources, programs and events designed to support informed participation and constructive dialogue.
Pre-Election Day Events and Resources
Several events and voter registration drives are planned leading into Election Day, including:
Elon Votes! Student Voter Registration Drives
Elon Votes! will host several voter registration drives to help students register to vote and prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming election. Drive dates include:
- Monday, Sept. 21, 3-5 p.m., Moseley Center First Floor
- Wednesday, Sept. 30, 3-5 p.m., Moseley Center First Floor
- Monday, Oct. 5, Noon-3 p.m., Moseley Center First Floor
Students are invited to attend a voter registration drive, stop by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life (Moseley 232), or visit the Elon Votes! website for additional information.
Fall Convocation with David Brooks
Friday, Sept. 25, 3:30 p.m., Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center
As part of the 2026-27 Elon University Speaker Series: Exploring Bold Leadership, David Brooks will deliver the keynote address during Fall Convocation. A best-selling author and longtime New York Times columnist, Brooks is a leading observer of American culture, politics and civic life. He serves as a staff writer at The Atlantic, a commentator on PBS NewsHour and a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs. Over decades in journalism, his columns have become some of the most widely read in the nation, offering insight into political dynamics, social trends and the challenges facing modern democracy. Admission is $15 or free with a valid Elon ID. Tickets can be purchased on the Elon Ticket website.
Active Citizen Series: Deliberative Dialogue – Selecting Candidates on Your Election Ballot
Monday, Sept. 28, 4:30 p.m., Lakeside 212
When you cast your ballot during the midterm elections, how will you decide whom to vote for? How will you decide what makes an effective elected official? Elections provide an opportunity for voters to select the leaders who will shape how our municipalities, counties, states and nations are governed. Making informed decisions about who we vote for directly affects our daily lives and the lives of our fellow citizens. This dialogue will provide an opportunity to explore the issues that matter most to you and to consider how you might select candidates who best represent your values and your needs. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Political Engagement Work Group, and Elon Votes!
Alamance-Burlington School System Board of Education Candidate Forum
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m., Hugh M. Cummings High School Auditorium, 2200 N. Mebane Street, Burlington, NC
This forum will offer local voters the opportunity to hear from candidates for the Alamance-Burlington School System Board of Education. Sponsored by Alamance Chamber, Elon University and Impact Alamance with support from Elon News Network
Alamance County Board of Commissioners Candidate Forum
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m., Hugh M. Cummings High School Auditorium, 2200 N. Mebane Street, Burlington, NC
This forum will offer local voters the opportunity to hear from candidates for the Alamance County Commissioners. Sponsored by Alamance Chamber, Elon University, and Impact Alamance with support from Elon News Network.
Facilitating Meaningful Discussion in the Classroom
Monday, Oct. 5, 4-5:30 p.m., Belk 208
Why are so many of us hesitant to bring difficult or timely conversations into the classroom, and what might we be missing when we avoid them? Using the Chronicle of Higher Education article “Why Higher Ed Won’t Look Itself in the Mirror” as a starting point, this session explores the value of facilitating dialogue around challenging, unexpected or unplanned topics. Participants will learn practical strategies to recognize opportunities for deeper engagement and bring dialogue more intentionally into their teaching. Registration is encouraged. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning.
A Stronger, Safer, More Resilient North Carolina with Kathie Dello
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m., McKinnon Hall
As part of Campus Sustainability Week, Kathie Dello will deliver the keynote address. Drawing on her experience as both North Carolina’s former State Climatologist and her current role as the Assistant Secretary for Resilience at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Dello will explain how resilience moves beyond disaster response to reduce risk before disasters occur, especially in the wake of the three damaging hurricanes that hit North Carolina in less than a decade. She will highlight the state’s resilience work through the Flood Resiliency Blueprint and community-based programs that help local governments identify vulnerabilities and invest in long-term solutions. She will also discuss how partnerships with universities and local leaders contribute to stronger, safer communities across North Carolina. Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability.
Election Day
Information about voting and Election Day resources is available on the Elon Votes! website.
Election Day Shuttle
Students already registered to vote in Alamance County are invited to use the Election Day shuttle throughout the day. A shuttle will run from the Center for the Arts to two local polling places from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To find your polling place in Alamance County on Election Day, visit the North Carolina Board of Elections Polling Place Search website and confirm your polling place before you leave to vote.
Note: The Elon University campus is divided into two precincts.
Active Citizen Series: Election Night Watch Event
The Elon community is invited to watch history unfold as election results come in from across the nation from 8 to 11 p.m. on the first floor of the Moseley Center. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Elon Votes!, Council on Civic Engagement, and Elon Political Engagement Work Group.
Post-election Events
Several events are planned for the days and weeks after the election, including:
After the Vote Panel
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 4:15 p.m., LaRose Student Commons
The Department of Political Science and Phoenix Policy Institute sponsor a faculty panel to unpack the 2026 midterm elections. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about what the local, state and national results mean for you, your friends and family, and our country. Sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Phoenix Policy Institute.
Carole Ann Walker International Lectureship with Kyle Carpenter
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts
As part of the 2026–27 Elon University Speaker Series: Exploring Bold Leadership, the Carole Ann Walker International Lectureship will feature Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, a United States Marine and the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor. Carpenter is recognized for extraordinary heroism during his service in Afghanistan. In 2010, he sustained life-threatening injuries after throwing himself on a grenade to protect a fellow Marine, an act of valor that led to years of recovery and more than 40 surgeries. Following his recovery, Carpenter set and achieved ambitious personal goals, including completing a college degree, running a marathon and traveling internationally. He is the author of the memoir “You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For,” which chronicles his journey of resilience and purpose. Today, he speaks widely about leadership, perseverance and finding meaning in adversity, encouraging others to overcome challenges and pursue lives of impact. Admission is $15 or free with a valid Elon ID. Tickets can be purchased on the Elon Ticket website.