International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS), in partnership with International Student Services (ISS), hosted “Understanding U.S. Elections” on October 10, 2024. The presentation was led by Jess Esplin, a PhD candidate in political science.
The event, which was open to the public, drew more than 30 international students, scholars, faculty, and their families. Topics included information about the election cycles in local races, state and federal races, how the election process works (particularly focusing on the presidential election), the makeup of the federal government, and the two-party system.
“We held this event to help people understand what elections in the U.S. are all about,” said Jennifer Taylor IFSS Director and immigration attorney. “We want our international employees, students, and scholars to see why the electoral process is important, how it impacts them, and the power elected officials have. Even though they can’t vote, the elected candidates and their decisions greatly affect the international employees’ lives.”
Attendees were given the opportunity to ask Esplin questions regarding the U.S. political system and the current presidential race. Questions and discussion included how one can vote as a U.S. citizen while living abroad, election/voting certification, and guidelines for the election season as a non-U.S. citizen.
Xiaoya Li, a J-1 visiting scholar majoring in higher education, chose to attend due to personal interest.
“I wanted to experience American culture and its political system to help me understand what the culture is like. This presentation gave me more structured knowledge and updated information about the presidential campaign this year.”
While she cannot vote in the upcoming election, Li acknowledged that, “This presidential campaign will have a huge impact on what happens around the world.”
Important information for foreign nationals:
Foreign nationals, including non-immigrant visa holders, DACA, and TPS:
- Cannot vote
- Cannot make donations in connection with any local, state, or federal election
- Cannot make donations to any committee or organization of any local, district, stateor national political party
- Cannot sign or witness ballots
- Cannot be a poll worker in the state of Wisconsin
For more information about what foreign nationals can and cannot do, please see
the Federal Election Commission and Wisconsin Elections Commission websites. You can also review this helpful document from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) on Who can Vote in the U.S. Presidential Election.
Did you miss the presentation? Watch it here: Kaltura | YouTube