The following is a statement from UWM Government Relations sent to UWM students on Sept. 29, 2026. It reminds everyone of the policies surrounding political activity and was sent as election season began to come into full swing.
STATEMENT FROM KERI DUCE, CHIEF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICER AT UWM:
“Each semester, we remind our UWM campus community to review the rules governing political activities on campus and use of university resources. The Universities of Wisconsin provides guidance on political activities for employees and students on all campuses. The webpage includes FAQs on a variety of topics.”
“University employees, including student workers, may not use work time or UWM resources to engage in political campaign activities. Activities such as sharing a petition or contacting a legislator for political purposes using your uwm.edu email address is prohibited.”
“Students and employees not on work time are free to engage in political campaign activities in public spaces, and organizations may rent UWM facilities to engage in these activities under the same rules that apply to those organizations for any other purpose.”
“The fall election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Find your polling location at My Vote Wisconsin. You do not need to provide a driver’s license number or photo to check your Wisconsin voter registration. If a text, email or website asks for either one to “verify” your status, do not provide it. Go directly to MyVote.wi.gov, where you can check your registration using your name and date of birth. Students may register to vote using their campus address.”
“Political campaigning is prohibited within 100 feet of a polling location building.”
“UWM is committed to the free and open discussion of ideas and encourages active civic engagement, including participation in the electoral process. Our Free Speech, Rights and Limits website includes the basics on free speech, students’ rights, support resources and FAQs around the First Amendment, expressive activities and more.”
“UWM encourages all students, faculty and staff to be engaged in the political process and to vote in all elections. The university offers the Student Voter Information site to assist students with questions. Active engagement in the electoral process is civic engagement and is not considered political activity.”
This was included in MKZine!
“MKZine: Student Voter Guide” – Volume 1, Issue 2 – October 2026
“MKZine: Student Voter Guide” is available for viewing online here: https://uwmpost.com/special-projects/mkzine/mkzine-student-voter-guide
