Jim Ryan and Tom Perriello host “Run to the Polls” Amid Increasing UVA Student Engagement in Midterm Elections

On October 22nd, 70 students alongside campaign volunteers joined one another at the base of the Rotunda at 8 a.m. on Grounds and ran down West Main Street toward Downtown to cast early ballots at the Charlottesville Registrar’s office. University Democrats initiated the event and encouraged attendees to verify their voter registration and bring all supplies and documentation required to participate in the election. 

This event, titled “Run to the Polls,” aimed to encourage student voter turnout in the upcoming Midterm elections. UVA President Emeritus Jim Ryan and Virginia’s 5th Congressional District Democratic candidate Tom Perriello joined the student organization for a twist on a staple tradition at the University during Ryan’s tenure from 2018-2025: “Run with Jim.” 

The run demonstrated a new role for higher education leadership, with Jim Ryan encouraging student political engagement to drive high turnout in the 5th District race between incumbent Representative John McGuire, R-VA, and his challenger, Perriello, who formerly represented the district from 2009 to 2011.