Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
As we approach Election Day on Tuesday, November 5, I wanted to share some updates, reminders and to encourage our community to make a plan to vote.
The university will maintain all operations, including all teaching, research, and service activities on Election Day. Please review the election-related resources and recommendations below.
Safety Updates and Resources
The safety of our community is our top priority. We are in frequent communication with public safety officials in the District and federal law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety of the University community ahead of this upcoming election and inauguration.
Out of an abundance of caution, next week we will be taking several steps to increase our security profile on the Hilltop and Capitol Campuses including increasing GUPD and Capitol Campus DPS patrols, particularly in high visibility locations. If additional steps are necessary we will communicate them.
I also encourage you to take the following steps, and review more safety resources online:
- Add Georgetown’s emergency numbers to your phone’s contacts:
- Hilltop Campus Emergency Contact: Call GUPD at (202) 687-4343.
- Capitol Campus Emergency Contact: Call DPS at (202) 662-9325.
- If off campus, call 911.
- Follow DC officials on X and other platforms:
- Mayor Bowser: @MayorBowser
- MPD: @DCPoliceDept
- HSEMA: @DC_HSEMA & @AlertDC
- DC Fire and EMS: @DCFireEMS
- Enroll in AlertDC. AlertDC is the official District of Columbia communications system that allows you to receive emergency alerts, notifications, and updates directly from DC’s public safety officials.
- Confirm/update your contact information for HOYAlerts. All current students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled to receive email and text messages from HOYAlert, Georgetown’s mass notification system used in the event of an emergency situation or incident on campus. Take a moment to confirm or update your HOYAlert contact information. You can also “follow” HOYAlert on X (Twitter). You do not need to opt in for HOYAlerts for your primary campus; however, if you would like to opt in to receive HOYAlerts for additional locations (e.g., opt in for the Capitol Campus if you are based on the Hilltop Campus) you can do so in GU360.
- Use the LiveSafe Mobile App. LiveSafe is a personal security system that connects users with the Georgetown University Police Department and the Capitol Campus Department of Public Safety when activated during an emergency situation. The app also allows users to report suspicious activity, request a SafeRide Shuttle or personal escort, access resources on emergency preparedness, and use SafeWalk to share their location with friends
- Bookmark the District of Columbia’s web page on the Inauguration.
Additional Resources
Please review our Georgetown Election 2024 website that includes taking care of yourself, supporting your fellow Hoyas and information on participating in the democratic process.
Campus Ministry is also holding an Interfaith Prayer For Our Nation on Tuesday, November 5 at 4 p.m. in Dahlgren Quad.
On election day, GU Votes will be tabling in Red Square from 2-4 p.m. to answer any questions and will be meeting at the John Carroll Statue at 5 p.m. to walk to the polls. GU Politics has election day programming available for community members as well.
You Can Still Register & Vote in DC
If you missed your home state’s deadlines for voter registration or absentee ballots and reside in the District, you can still register to vote. Washington, D.C. offers same-day voter registration and voting on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. You can find additional information about DC same-day registration online. If you have any questions, reach out to voting@georgetown.edu.
I hope you find this information and these resources helpful.
Sincerely,
Erik Smulson
Vice President for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor to the President