Places on campus, around Houston to watch election results

Like when the Republican debate came to campus in February, students can attend watch parties on and around campus. | File photo/The Cougar

With the election finally wrapping up, there are numerous locations across campus and the city to stay on top of the results.

One of many places to see voting results on Election Day is the political science department’s watch party from 6 to 10 p.m. at the M.D. Anderson Library’s Rockwell Pavilion.

There will be a map of the states, which will be colored in as results are announced, a “Why I Voted” photo booth and refreshments from Catering on Cullen.

“It’s a nonpartisan event. Students are welcome to bring their enthusiasm and their passions, but we certainly are not going to be pushing one candidate over the other,” said Elizabeth Simas, assistant professor of political science. “It’s history in the making, and this is for students to share that with their fellow Cougars.”

The students of the political science department are working with Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, to hold the event. Simas said the atmosphere should be lively, festive and comfortable for all students.

Students from the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication will also have live coverage of the elections on Election Day. Starting at 7:30 p.m., students can turn on Channel 6 on campus or via Facebook Live to watch election stories, interviews with campus leaders and C-SPAN coverage.

Students at the School of Communications will produce the coverage.

Any student can drop by the Communications Technology Center for free pizza and to watch behind-the-scenes of the live stream.

“If you see the way modern campaigns are run, obviously there a huge communications element to it,” Simas said. “I think it would be mutually beneficial for our departments and our students to have both sides of the education, so the departments have been trying to communicate with one another more and talk more.”

Other watch parties UH students can attend:

Atlas Pub on Washington Avenue, hosted by the University of Houston Law Center Federalist Society: The group is hosting a joint nonpartisan watch party along with the Federalist Society chapters at The South Texas College of Law and Rice University, and the UHCL and STCL Phi Alpha Delta chapters. Tickets are $10 for non-affiliated members and free for those in the Federalist Society, and 15 percent off for active military and veterans. They have also invited various elected officials and judges to the event to stop by.
Calhoun’s Rooftop: The on-campus bar invited elected local and state officials to come watch. It will also serve a special cocktail, the “Harvey Wallbanger,” which is typically a mixer of vodka, Galliano L’Autentico liqueur and orange juice. The College Republicans at UH will watch the results here, too.
Axelrad Beer Garden, hosted by the UH College Democrats: They are partnering with the Houston Stonewall Young Democrats, the Harris County Young Democrats and the Bexar County Young Tejano Democrats to put on the event. The watch party starts at 7 p.m. and is free to attend. It’s open to all ages until 9:30 p.m., at which point those without an over-21-years-old wristband will have to leave.
Color Me Houston at Lynn Eusan Park, hosted by UH Homecoming Board: From 7 to 10 p.m., students can enjoy dancing, red-colored powder, free food, Homecoming gear and see election results.