Voting and Civic Engagement at Rockhurst
Rockhurst University strives to form compassionate, thoughtful leaders who will contribute to the creation of a more just world. Active and constructive civic engagement is an elemental aspect of such leadership. RU is committed to fostering students' involvement in civic life, an essential component of which is thoughtfully and consistently exercising your right to vote. The goals of RU Voting, Rockhurst’s voting and civic engagement initiative include:
- Supporting voting as a means of engaged citizenship
- Equipping Companions with the tools needed for dialogue rooted in University's mission, identity and core values
- Encouraging sustained civic engagement post-election
Voter Registration
Have you registered to vote? Your voice matters!
- Register to vote with Kansas City, MO Election Board (if you live inside the KCMO boundary).
- Register to vote with the State of Kansas Secretary of State.
- Tip: Use State of KS Secretary of State to learn about early voting options.
- Register to vote with the State of Missouri Secretary of State.
- Tip: Use State of Missouri Secretary of State Office to check your voter registration and find out what’s on your local Missouri ballot and your polling location.
- Tip: Use State of Missouri Secretary of State Office to find out notarized mail-in ballot requirements.
Make a Voting Plan – Important Dates and Considerations
- Register to vote by October 9
- Can you vote in-person?
- Where is your polling location? Do you have transportation? Do you have plenty of time blocked off in your day to vote?
- Do you need to vote absentee?
- Request an absentee ballot:
- In Missouri, ballot envelopes must be notarized. On-Campus notaries include:
- Mary Cary: Mary.Cary@rockhurst.edu, Science Center 202
- Terri Haines: Terri.Haines@rockhurst.edu, Van Ackeren 300
- November 5 – Election Day
Companionship during Election Season
The Offices of Mission & Ministry support and encourage thoughtful dialogue and reflection in the Ignatian tradition between civically-engaged Rockhurst-educated leaders. We offer the following resources to practice civil discourse and mindfulness.
- Principles of Ignatian Conversation based on the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola help us engage in fruitful conversations.
- Listen or read along with “An Ignatian Examen for Civic Life”
Self-Care Resources
The need for self-care and the reality of burnout are important to identify when participating in civic engagement. Please be sure to check here for resources and with the RU Counseling Center and the Employee Assistance Program.