Dear Members of the Harvard Chan School Community,
The U.S. election is a mere week away, and it has implications not just for this country but also for the entire world. I am heartened by the massive turnout so far as millions of people are making their voices heard by voting early.
The divisive rhetoric and evidence of interference—both foreign and domestic—in this bedrock of our democracy have only intensified my enthusiasm for helping get out the vote in these final days before the election. Voting is our right, and our responsibility, as American citizens. In this election, as in all others, every vote matters.
In Massachusetts, early voting runs through October 30. On Election Day, November 3, the polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. All election information for Massachusetts voters is available on the website of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. For those not in Massachusetts, the Harvard Votes Challenge website has links to all the information you will need to register to vote, request a ballot, determine your polling location, and much more.
Staff members may take time during work hours to vote or work at the polls if doing so before or after work is not practical. For union members, this time is covered as release time. If you wish to take such time off, please make sure to discuss your plans in advance with your manager.
Whether you vote early or on Election Day, by mail or in person, the important thing is that you vote. Make your voice heard. Stand up for the values you believe in. Your vote absolutely does matter. And if you are not eligible to vote in this election, you can still participate by encouraging eligible voters to make sure to cast their ballot.
In a recent op-ed, I noted that voting has always been one of our most potent ways to effect change in public health on a massive scale. We cannot afford to sit this one out. There is too much at stake.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Michelle A. Williams, ScD
Dean of the Faculty, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Angelopoulos Professor in Public Health and International Development,
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Kennedy School
