RU Voting

Why Rockhurst Students Vote

Voting and Civic Engagement at Rockhurst

Rockhurst University strives to form compassionate, thoughtful leaders who will contribute to the creation of a more just world. Active and constructive civic engagement is an elemental aspect of such leadership. RU is committed to fostering students' involvement in civic life, an essential component of which is thoughtfully and consistently exercising your right to vote. The goals of RU Voting, Rockhurst’s voting and civic engagement initiative include:

  • Supporting voting as a means of engaged citizenship
  • Equipping Companions with the tools needed for dialogue rooted in University's mission, identity and core values 
  • Encouraging sustained civic engagement post-election


 

Watch a KSHB Story on Rockhurst's Election Class

 

 

Voter Registration

Have you registered to vote? Your voice matters!

  • Register to vote with Kansas City, MO Election Board (if you live inside the KCMO boundary).
  • Register to vote with the Jackson County, MO Election Board (outside the KCMO boundary).
  • Register to vote with the Johnson County, KS Election Office.
  • Register to vote with the Wyandotte County, KS Election Office.
  • Register to vote with the State of Kansas Secretary of State.
    • Tip: Use State of KS Secretary of State to learn about early voting options.
  • Register to vote with the State of Missouri Secretary of State.
    • Tip: Use State of Missouri Secretary of State Office to check your voter registration and find out what’s on your local Missouri ballot and your polling location.
    • Tip: Use State of Missouri Secretary of State Office to find out notarized mail-in ballot requirements.
  • Register to vote in a different state using the Ignatian Solidarity Network "Voting is an Act of Love" resource.

Make a Voting Plan – Important Dates and Considerations

  • Register to vote by October 7
  • Can you vote in-person?
    • Where is your polling location? Do you have transportation? Do you have plenty of time blocked off in your day to vote?
  • Do you need to vote absentee?
    • Mail-in absentee ballots must be received before October 20
    • In Missouri, ballot envelopes must be notarized for voters aged 65 and younger
    • Mary Cary is our campus notary and can be reached at Mary.Cary@rockhurst.edu for help notarizing your ballot
      • A free notary resource in Kansas City is Curbside Notary if Mary is unavailable
  • November 3 – Election Day

Companionship during Election Season

The Offices of Mission & Ministry and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion support and encourage thoughtful dialogue and reflection in the Ignatian tradition between civically-engaged Rockhurst-educated leaders. We offer the following resources to practice civil discourse and mindfulness.

Self-Care Resources

The need for self-care and the reality of burnout are important to identify when participating in civic engagement. Please be sure to check here for resources and with the RU Counseling Center and the Employee Assistance Program.