Democracy Day

Democracy Day at Carnegie Mellon University on Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Supporting informed participation in democratic and community life.

Democracy Day is Carnegie Mellon University's annual university-wide initiative that encourages informed participation in democratic and community life through learning, well-being, and community and democratic engagement.

The Democracy Day programming reflects CMU's commitment to fostering an engaged campus by creating opportunities for meaningful participation. All members of the CMU community are welcome, regardless of citizenship status or voting eligibility, and to encourage engagement across a broad range of experiences and perspectives.

To support participation,the university does not hold classes prior to 5 p.m. on the General Election Day (November 3). Members of the CMU community are encouraged to use the day in ways that are meaningful to them, whether by voting, serving as a poll worker, volunteering, or participating in opportunities for learning, dialogue, and reflection. The annual Democracy Day Celebration, held on Election Day, serves as the culmination of these efforts while connecting participants to opportunities for continued engagement beyond Election Day.

Throughout the semester, Democracy Day programming builds knowledge, strengthens civic engagement skills, encourages constructive dialogue, and supports well-being and resilience. We invite you to explore this website, which highlights events across campus that support meaningful participation in democratic and community life.