Penn State will host a virtual forum at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30 to answer questions surrounding November’s upcoming presidential election.

During the hour-long event led by Provost Nick Jones and Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims, students, faculty, and staff can ask questions to help alleviate concerns about the election.

Questions can be submitted through an online form. The event will be livestreamed and later archived for repeat viewing before November 3 so those who can’t attend can still be informed.

The event will specifically discuss voting logistics, the election, and safety and security on Election Day.

Topics that will be discussed also include what to do if mail-in and absentee ballots do not arrive in time, plans to support voting by students in quarantine and isolation, voter intimidation laws and resources, information for international students, and mental health resources.

Provost Jones will be joined by a number of administrative leaders including Tim Balliet, director of the Center for Character, Conscience, and Public Purpose, Brian Bittner, director of Emergency Management in University Police and Public Safety, Roger Brindley, Vice Provost for Global Programs, Stephanie Delaney, deputy chief police commander at University Park, Hari M. Osofsky, dean of Penn State Law and the School of International Affair, and Katharine Staley, assistant director of community education and outreach in Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Additonally, several student leaders will be in attendance, including the vice president of the Penn State Black Caucus, the president of the College Democrats, and the secretary of the College Republicans.

“Voting in local, state and national elections is one of the most important duties of an engaged citizen,” Provost Jones said. “Our goal is to provide a forum for our community to ask questions and to hear updates to help students, faculty and staff feel prepared and empowered while voting and after Election Day.”

For more information about voting and the election, check out our Penn State student’s guide to voting.