Civic Engagement at SMU

Civic engagement is a cornerstone of ethical leadership, and at the Maguire Center for Ethics & Public Responsibility, we are committed to fostering a campus culture that encourages active participation in the democratic process. This page is your go-to resource for all things related to civic engagement at SMU.

Want to make a difference on campus and beyond? Whether you're interested in advocacy, voter outreach, or learning more about local government, we're here to help you take the next step.

Reach out to us at the Maguire Center for Ethics & Public Responsibility to explore how you can get involved at rbbailey@smu.edu .

2026 Midterm Elections

Civic engagement doesn’t stop at presidential elections. Midterm elections shape the balance of power in Congress and influence national priorities—from voting rights and education to the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy. These elections decide who represents you in the U.S. House and Senate, and they matter more than some people realize.

Before the general election in November, midterm primaries determine which candidates will appear on the ballot. Primaries are where parties select their nominees, making them a critical first step in the midterm election process.

Now is the time to make a plan to vote and ensure your registration information is up to date. 

Key Voting Milestones for the Midterm Primary Elections
While exact dates and polling hours vary by state and county, every voter should keep an eye on these critical moments:

  • Voter registration deadline
  • Start of early voting
  • Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot
  • Election Day

Find Your Voting Information
Use Vote411.org to check:

  • Your registration status
  • Early voting and Election Day locations
  • Vote-by-mail rules and deadlines
  • What will appear on your ballot

What’s on the Ballot?
Midterm ballots vary by location but typically include:

  • U.S. House and U.S. Senate races
  • Statewide offices
  • Ballot propositions and constitutional amendments

Even if you’re registered in a different state or county, you can still stay informed and make a plan to vote where you’re registered.

 

 

For Dallas County Voters: Texas Midterm Primary Election

If you’re registered to vote in Dallas County, these are the key dates for the Texas midterm primary election. Primary elections determine who will appear on the ballot in the general midterm election, so this is where the field gets set.

Key Dates for the Dallas County Midterm Primary

  • February 2: Last day to register to vote or update your registration
  • February 17: First day of early voting (in person)
  • February 20: Last day for a Vote by Mail ballot application to be received
  • February 27: Last day of early voting (in person)
  • March 3: Election Day
    Also the last day a Vote by Mail ballot can be received (if mailed on time)

Find Your Dallas County Polling Location
Early voting and Election Day locations may differ. Check Vote411.org or the Dallas County Elections site to find the correct polling place for your address.

What You’re Voting On in the Primary
In the midterm primary, Dallas County voters will choose:

  • Party nominees for U.S. House and U.S. Senate
  • Party nominees for statewide and state legislative offices

Your primary ballot depends on the party you choose to vote in, and ballots vary by precinct.

If you’re registered in Dallas County—even temporarily—you’re eligible to vote here. If you’re registered elsewhere, you’ll vote in your home county or state.

Key Changes to Know for the 2026 Texas Midterm Primary (Dallas County)

This year’s Texas midterm primary comes with an important change that affects how and where Dallas County voters cast their ballots on Election Day.

1. Election Day voting will be precinct-based (not countywide)

For Primary Election Day only (March 3), Dallas County will not use countywide voting centers.

That means:

  • You must vote at your assigned neighborhood polling place
  • You cannot vote at just any location in the county on Election Day

2. Early voting stays the same

The good news: early voting is unchanged.

During early voting:

  • You can vote at any early voting location in Dallas County
  • Locations are managed by the county, not political parties

If flexibility matters to you, early voting is still your best option.

3. This change applies only to primary elections

Political parties—not the county—control how primary elections are run in Texas.

  • If one party chooses precinct-based voting, both parties must follow it
  • This does not apply to general elections in November

4. Why this may feel confusing

Dallas County voters have used countywide voting on Election Day for years. Because of this shift:

  • Some voters may accidentally go to the wrong polling place
  • Voting at the wrong precinct on Election Day could mean your ballot won’t count, even if cast provisionally

5. How to avoid issues on Election Day

  • Check your voter registration card for your precinct
  • Look up your assigned polling place on Vote411.org or the Dallas County Elections website
  • When in doubt, vote early—where location restrictions don’t apply

Civic engagement is about more than voting — it’s about being an active participant in your community and shaping the world around you. Whether you’re advocating for a cause, attending public forums, or simply staying informed about current events, civic engagement empowers you to make meaningful contributions to society. At SMU, we believe that engaged citizens help create stronger, more connected communities.

How to Get Involved at SMU and Beyond

There are countless ways to stay involved in civic life, both on and off campus. Here are some opportunities:

On-Campus Opportunities:

Community Resources:

Staying Informed: A Guide to Navigating Today’s Information Landscape

In an age of constant information, staying informed requires more than simply reading the news — it’s about developing the skills to critically evaluate what you encounter, recognize bias, and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives. Here’s how to sharpen your media literacy and ensure you’re consuming credible, well-rounded information.

1. Diversify Your News Sources

Relying on a single news source limits your understanding of complex issues. Instead, seek out multiple reputable outlets from across the ideological spectrum. This doesn’t mean giving equal weight to misinformation, but rather broadening your perspective to see how different outlets report the same story.

Tips for Diversifying Your Media Diet:

  • Read Across the Spectrum: Explore both left-leaning and right-leaning outlets to better understand political narratives.
    • Examples:
      • Left-leaning: The Guardian, NPR, The New York Times
      • Right-leaning: The Wall Street Journal, National Review, The Daily Telegraph
  • International News Sources: Gain a global perspective by reading international outlets that cover U.S. events from a different lens.
    • Examples:
      • BBC News (UK)
      • Al Jazeera (Qatar)
      • The Globe and Mail (Canada)

2. Identify and Avoid Misinformation

Misinformation spreads quickly, especially on social media. Use the following strategies to spot misleading content:

Questions to Ask When Evaluating Information:

  1. Who published this information?
    • Check the credibility of the source. Look for established outlets with a history of accurate reporting.
  2. What’s the evidence?
    • Does the article cite credible sources? Are there links to primary documents or expert testimony?
  3. What’s the tone?
    • Be wary of headlines or stories that use overly emotional or inflammatory language to provoke a reaction.
  4. Have I seen this elsewhere?
    • Cross-check information with other reputable sources. If a story is only appearing in fringe outlets, it may not be reliable.

3. Understand Bias and Perspective

Every news outlet has some degree of bias, influenced by its audience, funding model, or editorial stance. Learning to recognize bias is essential to becoming a critical consumer of information.

Types of Bias to Watch For:

  • Selection Bias: Which stories are chosen to be covered, and which are ignored?
  • Framing Bias: How is the story presented? Are certain facts emphasized or downplayed?
  • Confirmation Bias: Are you only seeking out stories that align with your pre-existing beliefs?

How to Spot Bias:

  • Check for Loaded Language: Words like “disaster,” “betrayal,” or “heroic” indicate an attempt to shape your emotional response.
  • Look at Sources Cited: Are they balanced? Do they include multiple viewpoints?
  • Compare Headlines: See how different outlets frame the same event.

4. Engage in Critical Thinking

It’s not enough to passively consume information — you must actively engage with it. Critical thinking involves questioning assumptions, considering alternative viewpoints, and drawing your own conclusions based on evidence.

Steps for Critical Consumption of News:

  1. Ask ‘Why?’ and ‘How?’
    • Why is this story being reported now? How does it impact the public?
  2. Look for Patterns:
    • Do certain outlets consistently report from a particular angle? Understanding these patterns can help you interpret coverage.
  3. Challenge Your Own Biases:
    • Be open to changing your opinion when presented with new, credible information.

5. Utilize Fact-Checking Resources

Even well-meaning individuals can spread misinformation. Before sharing a story, verify its accuracy through reliable fact-checking organizations.

Trusted Fact-Checking Sites:

6. Stay Curious and Open-Minded

An informed citizen is never done learning. Stay curious about the world around you and be willing to explore new ideas, even if they challenge your assumptions. Engaging with perspectives different from your own can strengthen your understanding of complex issues and promote civil dialogue.

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” — Aristotle

7. Suggested Reading List for Media Literacy

Consider adding these books to your personal library to deepen your understanding of media, politics, and critical thinking:

  • "Manufacturing Consent" by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
  • "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder
  • "The Elements of Journalism" by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel
  • "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
  • "Factfulness" by Hans Rosling