Stanford kicks off Democracy Day in 2021

In June 2021, Stanford University designated Election Day—the Tuesday after the first Monday in November each year—an annual “Democracy Day.” No classes are scheduled on this day, and students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in events designed to promote democratic participation, civic engagement, and community building.

Stanford's inaugural Democracy Day took place on November 2, 2021. Events included a Deliberative Polling session, an interactive discussion with a faculty panel, and the opportunity for faculty and students to discuss civic participation over a meal. See the full lineup on the Democracy Day website.

Programming for Democracy Day is a student service project and is carried out by a committee of students with help and advice from staff at the Haas Center and the Office of Campus Engagement.

Making Election Day an academic holiday signals Stanford’s commitment to democratic principles and values, and it gives students the time and opportunity to practice democracy and reflect on their role in it. In election years, activities for students might include volunteering at a vote center or other community service, in addition to voting.