USF, Election Day is coming up. Here’s what you need to know.

*The early voting location on campus is at USF’s Training center. ORACLE GRAPHIC/ TONI PHAN*

USF Professor Daniel Ruth said students should vote, regardless of party, for the candidate they feel represents their best interests.

Ruth, an award-winning columnist for the Tampa Bay Times, said he thinks the election will be decided by “very narrow margins.”

“Get off your keisters and vote,” Ruth said. “If you don’t vote you can’t complain about the outcome.”

As Election Day on Nov. 5 nears, USF students and professors are urging voters to head out to cast their ballots.

Emma Vo, a freshman biomedical sciences major, said one of her professors has emphasized the importance of voting in November.

Vo said the class discussed how voting is a privilege.

“Many people take it for granted,” Vo said. “With the ability to vote, individuals will be able to possess a voice and [vote on] what they desire for the nation.”

Vo said casting a vote is a way to “promote a sense of independence and exercise your rights.”

“Without the ability to vote, society will be detrimental and at risk of destruction,” she said.

Here’s what you need to know about where you can vote near the USF Tampa campus.

Early-voting is open until Sunday and people can cast their ballots at the USF Training Center on Plum Drive from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m throughout the week.

The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Election website includes updated wait times for the polling locations.

The closest parking locations are the Laurel Drive Parking Facility and Lot 43 between USF Laurel Dr. and E Fletcher Ave., according to USF.

For those registered to vote on the Tampa campus, the polling place on Nov. 5 is the Marshall Student Center. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To find polling places in different counties, students can check out the Supervisor of Elections website for the specific county.

Voters will need to present a valid photo ID and matching signature before casting their ballot. Some of the accepted forms of identification are a Florida driver’s license and a U.S. passport. You can check out the full list here.

In addition to voting for federal and state offices, people will have the opportunity to cast their vote on several Florida amendments.

These state amendments include the legalization of recreational marijuana and one that would restore abortion access in Florida. Other amendments include ones that would make school board elections partisan, enshrine hunting and fishing into the state constitution, homestead adjustment to inflation and campaign financing.

Aidan Husbands, a junior sociology and political science major, said it’s important for voters to be informed before casting your ballot.

“Information is quickly accessible and allows for a more informed electorate,” Husbands said. “It is the job of us voters to stay informed and critically assess the media.”

The Student Government voting guide directs voters to Ballotpedia, a nonprofit organization committed to content neutrality.

Voting is a right, but it’s also a responsibility and a form of accountability, Husbands said.

“Stay informed and question yourself,” Husbands said, “Seek out diverse perspectives and conversations that will broaden your understanding. Let your voice be heard.”

Ruth emphasized every vote “really does count.”

“And remember, in the end, people get the government they deserve – for better or worse,” he said.

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