Democracy Day

Democracy Day at Carnegie Mellon University is dedicated to fostering civic participation, well-being and community engagement for the whole of the CMU community, regardless of whether you are eligible to vote in the upcoming election.

On Democracy Day, which coincides with Election Day, there are no classes prior to 5 p.m. On that day, the entire CMU community — faculty, staff and students — is encouraged to participate in events happening across campus and in the broader community. Those eligible and planning to vote, act as a poll worker, or volunteer in the community to assist voters are encouraged to utilize the day to do so.

Democracies, and communities in general, are most able to thrive when their community members are actively engaged throughout the year, sharing their perspective and ideas, deepening their understanding of the complexities of the challenges facing their community, and taking part in opportunities to address those needs. To encourage participation not just in the upcoming election, but in ongoing engagement, the Democracy Day committee is planning a slate of events in the lead up to the election, for our Democracy Day celebration, and beyond, acting as a centralized resource for all democracy-related activities.

Details for 2026 Democracy Day to be announced. For questions, contact Liz Vaughan, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Director of Community Engagement & Leadership Development, at eav@andrew.cmu.edu.