Election Season 2026: Supporting Civic Learning and Dialogue

Across UC Davis and the University of California, researchers, educators and community partners are advancing civic learning through scholarship, public programs and opportunities for engagement. Together, these efforts underscore the role of universities in preparing people not only to participate in elections, but also to engage thoughtfully in civic life. 

Inclusive Excellence explores elections through scholarship and dialogue

On October 27, UC Davis Inclusive Excellence will host Voting from Different Perspectives: Studying Elections across Disciplines, a virtual panel bringing together UC Davis faculty to explore how researchers approach voting and elections across academic disciplines and national and international contexts.

Presented as part of the Campus Community Book Project, the discussion will feature Vikram D. Amar, Distinguished Professor of Law; Ruth Shim, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences; and Lauren Young, associate professor of political science. Megan Macklin, director of Campus Climate and Inclusion Initiatives, will moderate.

The event reflects the goals of Inclusive Excellence's Dynamic Discussions initiative, which encourages curiosity, thoughtful inquiry and constructive engagement across differences.

Election season can bring strong opinions and difficult conversations. The UC Davis Principles of Community offer a foundation for engaging across differences with respect, opennessand a commitment to mutual understanding.

Elections Resources

As Californians prepare for the November 3, 2026 general election, UC Davis Inclusive Excellence is highlighting opportunities to deepen civic understanding, explore university research and engage in thoughtful dialogue about issues affecting our communities. Guided by the UC Davis Principles of Community, the division's elections resources page brings together nonpartisan resources to support informed civic participation, constructive dialogue and community well-being during election season. Visit the Elections Resource page

Here are a few ways to put these values into practice:

• "Foster mutual understanding and respect among the many parts of our whole." You might be surprised by why someone thinks the way they do, so embrace process of learning more.
• "Respect for one another." Letting someone talk through their ideas without interruption sometimes opens up a space for exploring solutions together. 
• "The right of every individual to think, speak, express and debate any idea." More speech is a better alternative than less speech. Cacophony, even when it seems like chaos, means that different voices are part of the conversation. Speak up when you can and where you feel comfortable. 
• "Recognize and cherish the richness contributed to our lives by our diversity." Even in disagreement, we can appreciate the backgrounds, identities and experiences that shape how a person understands the world and the issues that matter to them.
• "First and foremost an institution of learning, teaching, research and public service." In the spirit of this university where we have chosen to be, it is important, even if sometimes challenging, to approach different perspectives with openness and a spirit of inquiry. Intellectual curiosity is essential to innovation and excellence.
• "The highest standards of conduct and decency toward all." You can decide when to pause or step away. Protect your own wellness and the well being of others. Making and giving space for reflection is a brave act.

Read the full UC Davis Principles of Community.

Perspectives from across the University of California

Across the University of California, researchers and educators are contributing new perspectives on elections, democratic participation and the role of civic engagement through public resources, programming, reports and more. 

The importance of civic engagement skills was the focus of a recent Face to Face with Chancellor May conversation with Dawniell Black and Beth Slutsky of the California History-Social Science Project (CHSSP), headquartered at UC Davis.

In the conversation, Black and Slutsky discussed how classroom dialogue, primary-source analysis and critical thinking help students develop the skills needed for civic participation. Their work emphasizes the importance of asking questions, considering different perspectives and building connections through discussion. Through its Foundations of Freedom: Strengthening Civic Learning in Schools initiative, CHSSP is also expanding civic education opportunities for teachers and students across California, with particular attention to rural and historically under-resourced communities.

UC Davis's Center for Public Service and Education further advances this work through educator professional learning, applied research and public engagement initiatives. The center connects education with public service and the development of informed, engaged communities.

At UCLA, the Latino Policy and Politics Institute recently released its Election 2026: Key Facts About Latino Voters research, examining demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of eligible Latino voters in several states. The research provides insights into factors shaping civic participation and the electorate. On November 17, the institute will join the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs to host The 2026 Midterms and What's Next for Latino Political Power, a post-election discussion exploring Latino voter participation, election outcomes and implications for Latino communities and political engagement.

The UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement is examining questions about the relationship between free expression, civic education and democratic participation. Through research, public programs and its #SpeechMatters podcast, the center explores how colleges and universities can foster open inquiry, navigate disagreement and support meaningful engagement across differences. Its programming includes conversations about student voting, artificial intelligence and democracy, and the role of free expression in higher education.

The University of California has also published a 2026 voter registration guide, addressing common questions for students, including voting eligibility, registration addresses and campus voting resources.

These efforts reflect the breadth of the university's contributions to civic life, from producing research that informs public understanding to creating opportunities for learning, dialogue and participation.

Finding trusted election information for all Californians

For Californians seeking accurate information about voting, the California Secretary of State provides official, nonpartisan guidance on voter registration, election procedures, ballot security and election administration.

In an October 6 announcement, Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber encouraged Californians to take advantage of early voting opportunities and the state's vote-by-mail system. The office also provides tools to check voter registration, locate voting and ballot drop-off sites, and track mailed ballots through the Where's My Ballot? service.

Key dates for the November 3 general election include October 19, the deadline for online voter registration, and October 24, when early in-person voting begins at vote centers in counties participating in the Voter's Choice Act. Californians who miss the online registration deadline may still be eligible to register and vote in person through conditional voter registration.

As election season continues, UC Davis encourages its community to draw on trusted information, engage with different perspectives and bring the university's Principles of Community into conversations about the issues that matter to them.