Campus News
Electioneering on campus
Now is the time to make sure you are able to participate in this important civic activity on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Dear Campus Community,
The next general election is less than a month away. Now is the time to make sure you are able to participate in this important civic activity on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Ballots began being mailed to all registered voters October 1. In California, you can register online with the California Secretary of State’s office.
An in-person voting center will be open on the main campus for four days at the Stevenson Event Center. The site will accept mail-in ballots, and prospective voters may register and vote on the same day. There will also be an in-person voting site at the Silicon Valley Campus. Both sites will be open from 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 31 through 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. More information on elections and voter registration can be found on the Government & Community Relations webpage.
Election season also brings robust campaigning
We are glad to see our community engaging with the various contests and topics. Our community members should know there are legal restrictions on the University of California’s involvement in political campaign activities based on the status of the university as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and a state entity.
The university may not endorse/oppose (or contribute to) political candidates, nor may university resources (including university-paid time or equipment) be used for campaign purposes in connection with ballot propositions or measures. UC guidelines for participation in political and ballot campaigns can be found on the University of California Office of the President’s website.
While it is important to ensure that voters are informed and engaged, it is also important to abide by University of California policies around the appropriate rules of conduct and the time, place, and manner policies. We want fairness in our election process; that we are not using state resources or facilities for campaign purposes; and that information is presented in a balanced manner.
State law and university policies (Policy on Speech and Advocacy and Policy on Use of University Properties), provide guidelines on how and where campaign materials may be posted on campus. Please also note that those wishing to post materials at certain locations must check with that location for the posting rules and procedures of the particular location.
Organizations and individuals not affiliated with the university must also comply with applicable conduct and time, place, and manner policies, including the Regulations Governing Conduct of Non-Affiliates in the Buildings and on the Grounds of the University of California. Non-affiliates may post and distribute materials only on bulletin boards designated for public use: outdoor kiosks and the interior of bus shelters. These areas are cleared of all materials on a regular basis.
Affiliates and non-affiliates alike must follow the university’s policies on use of university properties. No tables or structures can be utilized without prior authorization. Reservation requests may be made here.
If you are seeking to hold forums or election events on campus or invite candidates or campaigns, please contact the Government and Community Relations office. There are specific rules that must be adhered to in order to ensure university-sponsored events are politically balanced, unbiased, and conducted for informational purposes only.
Thank you for helping to contribute to a fair and balanced election.