Democracy Day
Democracy Day at Carnegie Mellon University on Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Supporting informed participation in democratic and community life.
Democracy Day is Carnegie Mellon University's annual university-wide initiative that encourages informed participation in democratic and community life through learning, well-being, and community and democratic engagement.
The Democracy Day programming reflects CMU's commitment to fostering an engaged campus by creating opportunities for meaningful participation. All members of the CMU community are welcome, regardless of citizenship status or voting eligibility, and to encourage engagement across a broad range of experiences and perspectives.
To support participation,the university does not hold classes prior to 5 p.m. on the General Election Day (November 3). Members of the CMU community are encouraged to use the day in ways that are meaningful to them, whether by voting, serving as a poll worker, volunteering, or participating in opportunities for learning, dialogue, and reflection. The annual Democracy Day Celebration, held on Election Day, serves as the culmination of these efforts while connecting participants to opportunities for continued engagement beyond Election Day.
Throughout the semester, Democracy Day programming builds knowledge, strengthens civic engagement skills, encourages constructive dialogue, and supports well-being and resilience. We invite you to explore this website, which highlights events across campus that support meaningful participation in democratic and community life.
Democracy Day Celebration
November 3 | 12 - 2 p.m. | Rangos and Kirr Commons, Cohon University Center
Join us for the Democracy Day Celebration, a campus-wide event featuring a variety of engaging activities that connect you to causes and communities you care about, help you share your voice on advocacy issues, and support your overall well-being as an active member of our campus and local community. All events are open to international and domestic students, faculty, and staff.
Enjoy food and raffles, meet community organizations at the Tartans Taking Action Fair, and build your own Stuff-A-Plush. Share your perspectives with Student Government at the Ball Ballot and enjoy games and crafts. CMU Votes can answer any Election Day questions so you can confidently cast your ballot!
Additional Democracy Day Events
Mapping Self: Understanding our Values and the Stories that Shape Us
October 29 | 5 - 6:15 p.m. | Studio A (Hunt Library 106B)
Join us for an interactive workshop where we’ll explore who we are and how our personal experiences shape what we believe.
Tai Chi and QiGong Series
November 3 | 5 - 6 p.m. | Well-being Lab, Room 104, Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics
The simple movements and deep breathing of T’ai Chi and Qigong nourish both body and mind by lowering cortisol levels (stress hormones), improving concentration, and deepening sleep.
Election Results Watch Party
November 3 | 7 - 10 p.m. | Hunt Library, IDeATE Studio B
Join the CMU community for a nonpartisan election night watch party as results from the 2026 midterm elections unfold.
Inside Government Relations: A Lunch and Learn with Tim McNulty
November 17 | 12 - 1:30 p.m. | Posner Center
Join Tim McNulty, Carnegie Mellon University’s associate vice president for government relations, for an informal lunch and conversation about his work representing CMU and building relationships with government officials.
Committee Members
| Zach Berger Undergraduate, CM Institute for Strategy and Tech, Dietrich College | Margaret Bush Undergraduate, CM Institute for Strategy and Tech, Dietrich College | Jonathan Cervas Assistant Teaching Professor, CM Institute for Strategy and Tech, Dietrich College | Mark D'Angelo Manager of Educational Initiatives and Engagement, Community, Culture and Engagement |
| Aden Eagle Doctoral, Neuroscience Institute, Dietrich College | Ahri Guity Undergraduate, Engineering Studies and Arts, CMU | Ryan McKelvey Academic Coordinator, IDeATe | Megan Murray Assistant Director, Foreign Student and Scholar Advisor, Enrollment Management |
| Candace Okello Assistant Dean for Civility Initiatives, Student Affairs | Shannon Riffe Democracy Day Committee Co-Chair, Associate Dean, Marketing and Communications, Libraries/UEIS | Shadeia Sheridan Coordinator for Student Engagement and Support, Student Affairs and Provost Divisions | Maura Shields Graduate Assistant, Community Engagement and Leadership Development Student Affairs |
| Rahul Tejannavar Masters, Public Policy and Management, Heinz College | Liz Vaughan Democracy Day Committee Co-Chair, Assoc. Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Community Engagement and Leadership Development, Student Affairs | Greg Wong Doctoral, Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering |