As the 2026 election “season” kicks into full gear, we are reaching out with important reminders for the UNLV community.

As a public institution, policies require the university to remain nonpartisan and/or neutral toward elected officials, ballot initiatives, and candidates of all political parties.

The university encourages everyone who is eligible, regardless of their political views, to participate in the democratic process by voting. In fact, you can vote early or the day of in both the 2026 Primary and General Election at UNLV through a partnership with the Clark County Elections Department.

As Nevadans, we have many opportunities to advocate for higher education and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. We encourage all citizens to engage with their state legislators in person, by phone, and by email. As a citizen, your efforts are important year-round – in your district, in Carson City, and in Washington, D.C.

Before you begin advocating for UNLV, please familiarize yourself with the following:

• A policy of non-partisanship and neutrality governs the University and its employees at all times in their relationship with elected officials or persons campaigning for public office.
• UNLV will not sponsor or support political candidates, ballot initiatives, or questions.
• UNLV campus mail and email will not be used to distribute political materials in any form. This applies to both members and nonmembers of the University community.
• If the titles of faculty and staff used in political correspondence might reasonably be construed as implying support, endorsement or opposition of the University with regard to any non-university activity or issue, the identification shall be accompanied by an explicit statement that the individual is speaking for himself or herself and not as a representative of the University or any of its offices or units.

Additionally, the Office of Government and Community Engagement (GCE) should always be informed (related link below) when elected officials are visiting the university and/or invited to attend an off-site university-sponsored event, for any reason. The GCE team is poised to assist and ensure a successful campus visit.

Below, please find links to several related guidelines and resources to assist those who wish to advocate for UNLV:

• Elected Official Visits Notification Form
• UNLV’s Partisan Political Activity Guidelines
• Board of Regents Policy Handbook
• NSHE Policy on Academic Freedoms and Responsibility
• Voting and Democratic Engagement: UNLV Votes
• UNLV’s Policy on Speech and Advocacy in Public Areas
• NSHE Policy Regarding Use of System Facilities for Political Events

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the Office of Government and Community Engagement.