Don’t Forget to Vote (if Eligible) + Election Spaces & Events @SMC!

Dear SMC Community,

As a historic Presidential election approaches, its significance weighs heavily on many in our community. At Santa Monica College, we understand the stress and uncertainty this time may bring.

Regardless of the outcome, know that you are not alone. SMC remains unwavering in its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Every student who comes to this college—regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, sexuality, gender, religion, disability, age, or socio-economic background—is valued deeply and will continue to be supported as they pursue their educational goals.

We have organized dedicated resources and spaces around the November 5 election, providing opportunities for our community to come together and support one another during this time—please share this information with your students:

Election Spaces & Events

• 10/28: Staff and Faculty Virtual Space
  4 to 5 p.m.
  Zoom registration required for the Staff and Faculty Virtual Space
  Facilitators: Silvana Carrion-Palomares, MA (EPI) and Julyssa Guevara, LCSW (CWW)

• 10/29: LGBTQ+ Support During Election (student-facing)
  3 to 4:15 p.m.
  Student Equity Center, Room 10
  Facilitator: Eva Grenier, ACSW, J.D. (CWW)

• 11/4: Pre-Election Tea (student-facing)
  12 to 2 p.m.
  Student Equity Center, Room 10
  Facilitator: Kenji Jones, LMFT, Psy.D (CWW)

• 11/6: Post-Election Processing Space (student-facing)
  12 to 2 p.m.
  Student Equity Center, Room 10
  Facilitator: Michelle Pereira, LCSW (CWW)

Got Election-Related Stress? We’ve Got You Covered

At times like this, it is even more important that we prioritize our mental/emotional wellbeing. SMC & its Center for Wellness and Wellbeing has various resources that can help with election-related stress—do not hesitate to reach out/make use of these:

• This Election Stress Toolkit provides tips and resources to help you de-stress.
• The SMC Civic Engagement Webpage has election resources, voting information & more.
• Students: Please take advantage of the 24/7 emotional support hotline: 1-800-691-6003 if you need immediate support. And reach out to the SMC Center for Wellness and Wellbeing for information on short-term counseling, and many other support services

• SMC Colleagues: The EASE Program provides free, short-term counseling, phone consultations and community referrals to any college employee facing emotional distress, anxiety, stress, and grief, among other things. Call EASE at 800-882-1341. Learn More on the EASE website.

Last, but Not the Least . . . Don’t Forget to Vote (If you are Eligible)

SMC is hosting a vote center for the Presidential Election in the Cayton Center employee lounge. There will be signage pointing you to the vote center.

SMC Vote Center dates and hours:

• Early Voting Period at the SMC Voting Center* — November 2, 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Election Day — November 5, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Public voting hours may be extended on Election Day due to long lines. Any voter in line at the time of poll closing shall be provided the opportunity to receive and cast a ballot.

*Note that early voting periods will vary based on location. Mail-in ballots can be returned upon arrival. For more information: crucial voting dates/resources. Also: find a polling place near your zip code.

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While the outcome of the election may be unpredictable, one thing remains certain: Santa Monica College will continue to forge ahead in creating a more just and equitable world, and will remain standing strong as a shining beacon of educational equity and access.

Together, we will get through whatever lies ahead!

—Santa Monica College & the SMC Student Equity Center.