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Amongst the list of concerns about elections, this November is the impact of foreign influence. The scale and sophistication of Russia’s attempts to influence the 2016 elections have been well documented and perhaps it’s most effective efforts centered on the use of numerous social media platforms to promote then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at the expense of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, and also to foment and heighten social and political divisions within the United States. Recently, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) warned Russia, China and Iran are all taking measures to influence the November elections, although using a separate set of tactics and techniques and with different goals and aims.

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With early voting underway in the 2020 election, Captain Planet arrived at the University of Michigan on Friday, encouraging students to register and cast their ballots.

“You have the power to vote!” the costumed superhero called out to passersby Sept. 25. “We need your help to protect the planet! Help me stop the looters and polluters!”

Behind the green wig and full-body suit was state Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, who pointed students toward the city’s new early voting and voter registration location at the UM Museum of Art on State Street.

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In the first two days, the satellite office has processed over 400 voter registrations.

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In the lead up to the 2020 US Presidential Election and beyond, The University of Michigan Art Museum (UMMA) is handing over space and resources in the name of civic duty and engagement. Working closely with partners on several projects, UMMA is turning an art museum into an election hub.

“Art museums, and campus art museums especially, are uniquely positioned to drive national dialogue around the issues that matter most in the world today,” said UMMA Director Christina Olsen. “We’ve been working to make good on that potential all year and we are excited to work with these partners to offer our space to the city of Ann Arbor to transform the museum into a true election hub and powerful site for democracy.”

Most noticeably, this will take the form of converting the Museum’s street-facing glass-walled Stenn gallery into a satellite Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office. U-M Students, Faculty, and Staff will be able to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and vote early at UMMA every weekday between Sept. 24 and election day. The office also makes the work of administering the election and managing voter rolls and absentee ballots a publicly visible, transparent undertaking.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson visited the site on Tuesday, September 22nd.

“City clerks are stepping up this year to develop important partnerships with community leaders and grassroots organizations all around the state to make voting accessible and secure, ensuring that every vote is counted and every voice is heard,” Benson said.