As we count down to November 3 — and the most historic U.S. election that many of us will see in our lifetimes — Emersonians are on the frontlines. From Emerson Polling’s often-cited polls of critical swing states, to in-depth reporting and commentary on national and local political races by our students, faculty, and alumni, Emersonians are providing much-needed insight and clarity in an election season marked by noise, chaos, and global calamity.
Past Events
Emerson and Election 2020: Road to the White House
The Emerson College Alumni Association, in collaboration with the Washington D.C. regional alumni chapter, Emerson Polling, and the School of Communication, invited alumni for a look at the hot-button issues during this unlike-any-other presidential campaign. Leveraging up-to-the-minute polling data, Director of Emerson Polling Spencer Kimball and special guests provided analysis and insight. The final event took place on Monday, November 2, at 7:00 p.m. EDT/4:00 p.m. PDT.
Emerson Today
Communications Faculty: Keep Counting and Focus on the Process
The process must go on! That’s the thought that ran through the worried minds of Emerson faculty as they lay down to rest on Tuesday night.
Emerson Polling to Release 14 Battleground State Polls Weekend Before Election
Emerson College Polling has been furiously surveying multiple states, districts, and voters ahead of Election Day 2020. It all culminates this weekend, with Pre-Game Saturday and Super Poll Sunday, when Emerson Polling releases the results of several polls in states critical to the election.
Letter from the President: Election Day
No matter how you choose to cast your ballot, know that you are playing a critical role in keeping our democracy alive. Emersonians make their voices heard, particularly when the stakes are high, and I am confident and proud that our community members will fulfill their civic duty happily, and in great numbers.
How Journalism Classes Are Navigating Elections, COVID
“Normal” hasn’t been an option for months now, so Journalism faculty have been asking students to try different ways of getting the story and telling it. These days, that’s essential.
At Emerson Polling, 2020 Is a Hotbed for Public Opinion Research
As the United States barrels through an extraordinary presidential campaign year, the Emerson College Polling staff has been steadily measuring public opinion on issues ranging from politics to public health and social justice, and news outlets across the country are taking note...
Raynauld Has Followed Social Media in Politics, From Infancy to Today
Twitter changed the face of political campaigns forever. Back in 2007, it also changed the direction of Vincent Raynauld’s PhD. But before 140 characters became the rage, Raynauld’s research in political campaigns really began three years earlier, thanks to a failed presidential candidate…
Seraphin Leads City’s Push to Civically Engage Young Bostonians
Audrey Seraphin ’16 knows how to encourage young people to be civically engaged. Good thing. It’s her new job as the director of SPARK Boston. SPARK Boston is a city initiative that uses innovative ways to empower Generation Z and millennials to play a greater role in planning for the future of Boston…
Emerson in the News
President Pelton Co-Authors Op-ed Urging Communities of Color to Vote: Commonwealth Magazine
President Pelton co-authored an op-ed with Steven W. Tompkins, sheriff of Suffolk County, and Michael Curry, member of the National NAACP board of directors, in which they discuss the reasons behind low voter turnout in men and women of color, citing data from the 2016 election and 2018 midterms. Regardless of the reasons, they urge and implore all to vote.
Reis on the Election: Televisao Publica de Angola
School of Communication Dean and Professor Raul Reis was interviewed by Televisao Publica de Angola (TPA), the largest network in Angola, speaking about the U.S. elections and debates, with less than two weeks to go until Election Day.
House on Biden Honoring Ginsburg’s Legacy by Considering Michelle Obama
Roger House, associate professor in American Studies, writes for The Hill that former Vice President Joe Biden must consider suggesting a Supreme Court nominee that advances racial and gender justice to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Raheem on Drought and the Need for Leadership
Associate Professor Nejem Raheem published an opinion piece in the New Hampshire Union Leader about the dangers droughts pose to communities, and the need for real leadership in order to mitigate their effects, which are intensifying due to climate change.
Raynauld on TikTok & Political Campaigns: Business Insider
Communications Studies associate professor Vincent Raynauld contributed to the piece “An entire generation of new voters are on TikTok, but Biden and Trump are neglecting them,” weighing in on how social media can affect a campaign. Raynauld, who researches the impact of social media on politics, says “social media has always been a major player.”
Student Resources
Student Voting Guides by State
Campus Vote Project works with universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting. On their website, they aim to provide resources to empower students with the information they need to register and vote, including student voting guides by state.
Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL)
Student Engagement and Leadership is dedicated to helping students find resources and join organizations on campus, commit to personal growth, and serve our community. Through leadership training, civic engagement, student organizations, and fraternity and sorority life, we aim to give you the tools and resources you need to become an active part of campus life.
For Alumni
Election 2020: Road to the White House
Members of the Emerson alumni community shared their political expertise this election year in a series of events, Election 2020: The Road to the White House. Browse the recorded versions of the virtual events below.
