Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement

Former Congressman Richard Gephardt does not know who will win the 2020 presidential election. Nor does he know when the race will be called. But Gephardt does believe the election will be safe, secure and fair. Gephardt will join former U.S. representatives from both parties Tuesday, Oct. 27, for a panel discussion, “Counting Every Vote: Election Integrity in 2020.”

The Athletic Complex once again will serve as the on-campus polling location at Washington University. Students who live on the South 40 and in the Village may vote at the Athletic Complex between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 3. And, for the first time, so may any students, faculty and staff who are approved to be on campus and live in St. Louis County.

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement has announced this year’s recipients of the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award. The annual honor recognizes community members who exemplify a character of service and engagement with the St. Louis region.

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement wants to update Washington University in St. Louis students and families about how students are to be counted in the 2020 U.S. census in light of  COVID-19. 

Voter turnout among Washington University in St. Louis students leaped to 41.8% in the 2018 midterm elections, more than double the 2014 midterm voting rate of 15.9%, according to a national study of campus voting rates by Tufts University’s Institute for Democracy & Higher Education.

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement invites new members of the Washington University in St. Louis community to discuss Ferguson’s impact on the region at “New in the Lou: What Does Ferguson Mean to Me?” a series of moderated panel discussions, held at the Stix House, 6470 Forsyth Blvd.

Cities are both a leading cause and victim of global climate change, but they also hold great promise. In the first installment of Class Acts, a series celebrating the Class of 2019, seniors Marissa Lerner and Alexis Vidaurreta share their optimism and respective visions for cities that protect people and resources.

Washington University in St. Louis has been designated a “Voter-Friendly Campus” by the Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education for its success in increasing voter registration, education and turnout.

Last month, Penina Acayo Laker asked students in her “Design for Social Impact” class to interview their friends about the Nov. 6 midterm elections. The results were alarming. So the class created posters to educate fellow students about the voting process and inspire them to go to the polls.

The research shows that most college students won’t vote in Tuesday’s midterm elections. But, for the students in this class, elections are more than an opportunity to vote — they are a career path.