In preparation for the 2016 presidential election, Arcadia University is hosting Election Fest, an opportunity for students to discuss political and electoral processes with faculty and staff. The daylong event is on Tuesday, Oct. 25 in the University Commons Great Room.

Students representing 18 courses, 13 first-year seminars, and the Honors program will share perspectives on various topics, including the role of millennials in the upcoming election, the 2016 congressional races, and presidential leadership styles. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. and run until 7 p.m.

At 6 p.m. on the main stage, Adjunct Professor Larry Atkins will discuss his recently published book Skewed: A Critical Thinker’s Guide to Media Bias, an examination of advocacy journalism. The presentation will include a panel discussion led by Dr. Michael Dwyer, associate professor of Media and Communications, Dr. John Noakes, chair of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, and Dr. Amy Widestrom, associate professor of Historical and Political Studies.

Additional highlights include a debate on voter fraud versus voter suppression, a video presentation on women in politics, and posters examining candidates’ views on criminal justice, global warming, space exploration, and forensic science. Presenters will also reveal the results of “Know Before Your Vote,” a student-run mock election taking place on campus throughout this week.

For more information on Election Fest or the schedule of events, contact Dr. Noakes (noakesj@arcadia.edu)  or Dr. Widestrom (widestroma@arcadia.edu).