Alpha Xi Delta Votes

Alpha Xi Delta Votes is an initiative to help Sisters feel confident and have the tools needed to be civically engaged, feel connected to others and have conversations that are civil and productive. It's your right and privilege to vote. Don't waste it. Make sure your voice is heard.

Alpha Xi Delta is proud to partner with Democracy Works, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, to provide Turbovote to our members. This is a tool that makes registering to vote easy and helps those already registered to stay up-to-date on local and national election dates.

Here are some highlights of TurboVote:

  • Guided assistance in registering to vote and the ability to request an absentee/mail-in ballot. If your state does not offer online registration, TurboVote generates the forms needed to register and you can request an absentee ballot. 

  • Text and email reminders for polling locations, election dates, absentee ballot request form deadlines and voter ID information.

  • A dedicated help desk can help you in navigating laws that govern voting. 

  • TurboVote does NOT send you candidate specific information or spam you with policy. 

SIGN UP FOR TurboVote



Voting Options

Did you know, according to the Pew Research Center, only about two-thirds of the voting-eligible population turned out for the 2020 presidential election? And while voter turnout among college students has actually increased in recent years, still over one-third of eligible college students didn’t cast their votes in the presidential election just four years ago. College students cite that it is often hard to vote due to a lack of information, inaccessible polling locations, or commitments that prevent them from getting to the polls on election day. In an effort to make sure your voice is heard this November, keep reading to learn more about your options for voting.

Voting as a College Student…where do I begin?
Voting as a college student can pose a challenge, especially if you attend a college or university outside your home state or are studying abroad. To learn more about your options for voting either in your hometown or where you attend school, visit Vote.gov’s Voting as a College Student resource. 

Voting In-Person

In-Person voting tends to be the most popular method for voting. If you plan to vote in-person, take time now to identify your polling location. Using the address you have connected to your voter registration, utilize TurboVote to help you learn where to report on election day. If you choose to vote early, you may need to report to somewhere different from your standard polling location, so create a plan on when and how you will get there.

Did you know that many college campuses are polling locations for students and surrounding community members? This may be a convenient and easy option for undergraduate members to participate in the upcoming election…and maybe bring along a Sister or two!

Voting by Mail

If you’re planning to be out of town on election day, there are still options to have your voice heard. Many states allow their citizens to vote by mail, but each state has their own laws and deadlines associated with voting by mail. 

TurboVote can help you determine if you need to request a mail in ballot or if it would automatically be mailed to you, how you should return your ballot, and any specific deadlines to be aware of.

Voting by Absentee Ballot

Many voters use the terms vote by mail and absentee voting interchangeably, but there actually is a difference between the two systems. States that use an absentee voting system require that voters request an absentee ballot, and usually require the voter to state the reason they’re unable to vote on election day. Valid reasons include but are not limited to being out of the country on election day, having a disability, or work or school commitments that prevent someone from being able to vote. All states who use an absentee system require voters to request their ballots in advance. TurboVote and Vote.gov can help you learn about the deadlines of your specific state and what to do with your ballot once completed.  


Downloads

Our Founders knew the importance of a space where women could have their voices heard. Exercise your right, and make your voice heard by making a plan to get to the polls. Share these downloads with your chapter, association or another Sister!

Click on the images below to download Alpha Xi Delta Votes printable files. There is also a link below to a sticker template on Avery's website, and Avery can print the stickers for you as well. The artwork to upload to this template is in the zip file. 

Voting Plan Postcard

Download sticker files

Politics Quick Reference Guide

What News Sources Can I Trust?

We are unable to make recommendations on this. There is little consensus on what news outlets have an unbiased approach to reporting. With this in mind, here are some things to consider when seeking out information:

  • Does the URL have a standard look like "www.XYZ.com"? If it looks similar to "www.XYZ.com.co" but not quite right, then you should do more investigating. 

  • Go beyond the headlines. Headlines are meant to capture your attention and may or may not accurately depict the whole story. Take a minute to read and not just glance. 

  • Are there quotations in the news story? If so, are they from a title (ex. Speaker of the House, Senator, Vice President, etc.) you recognize or can quickly be identified through a simple Google search?

  • Be aware of algorithms. This has been a topic of conversation as of late. It's good to keep in the back of your mind that you see what you search; most of our devices, browsing history, clicks, etc. are connected. You may have to seek out sources and information beyond what you're being shown on your social media feeds. 

Recommendations

  • Take a moment to consider what you repost. As previously noted, headlines are created to capture your attention. Before you determine to click the "share" option, make sure it's something you really believe to be true - and check on the validity of the source. 

  • Encourage dialogue. Don't just shut down a person who has different beliefs than you - take time to have a respectful conversation.

  • Use your voice. Make a plan to vote on Election Day and take others with you! Not sure how or where to start? Click the links above for TurboVote to get started. 
Communications Policy: Political Positions or Policies

Members are free to express their own personal opinions on political matters, but shall not do anything to explicitly state or implicitly suggest that such opinions are being expressed (i) on behalf of Alpha Xi Delta or (ii) in a member’s capacity as an officer or member of Alpha Xi Delta. In expressing personal opinions on political matters in a public forum, members shall take care to avoid the implication that such opinions are attributed to Alpha Xi Delta, including, but not limited to creating the impression that Alpha Xi Delta is taking any type of public policy position or supports, endorses or opposes any candidate for political office without first obtaining the express written consent from the National Fraternity. If, given the circumstances surrounding the political expression, a reasonable person could imply that a member is speaking on behalf of Alpha Xi Delta or in her capacity as an officer of member of Alpha Xi Delta, such member shall make it clear that the opinion expressed does not represent the views of the Chapter or Fraternity. 

Download Alpha Xi Delta's full Communication, Online and Social Media Policy

Programming and Education

Alpha Xi Delta has developed resources for chapters and alumnae associations to utilize that are centered on listening to those with varying viewpoints, how to clearly and respectfully engage in a thoughtful discourse and to remain vigilant to the rights and responsibilities as active participants in democracy. 

The 19th Amendment: Why 100 Years Matter

Written by Fraternity former staff member, volunteer and historian by training, Rebecca Ditchey, the blog details the years leading up to 1920, the historic moment when many women finally gained the right to have their voices heard, and the impacts the 19th Amendment has had on our great nation. Rebecca also shares with us the inequalities in voter rights that followed many marginalized women into the 20th century and are still present today.

Read the blog post

Agree to Disagree is a Copout

Differences vs. Divisiveness: A Guide to Understanding and Discussing Your Values in a Political World

  • Sisters will identify how their values relate to social/community issues and their inclination to act upon them.
  • Sisters will discover where their boundaries lie when having discussions centered on social issues.
  • Sisters will create strategies for leaning into the discomfort of conversations surrounding social issues. 

    Download Differences vs. Divisiveness Facilitation Guide and Powerpoint

Empowered Women: The Legacy of our Founders and Their Tie to Civic Engagement

  • Sisters will discover how the actions of our Founders, bold or quiet, are connected to engagement within the community.
  • Sisters will be able to identify civic involvement, and how they, and their fellow Sisters may already be involved, intentionally or unintentionally.
  • Sisters will create a plan for how they can take a more proactive, intentional approach towards making a difference within their communities.

    Download Empowered Women Facilitation Guide and Powerpoint

Hard Discussions Need a Tender Heart: Tools to Listen Well and Communicate Effectively