On Feb. 15, University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) students will start their day with coffee, donuts and conversations with political candidates.

From 10 a.m. to noon, the University will host the Primary Election Candidate Meet, Greet & Eat in the Welcome Center (Milam and Travis Rooms). More than 60 candidates in the upcoming primary elections are scheduled to visit with students during this event that is coordinated by UHD's Student Government Association, Walk 2 Vote, and the Center for Public Deliberation.

Guests will include candidates running for a variety of state and U.S. offices including U.S. Congress, Texas Governor, Texas Senate, District Judge, County Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Texas Lieutenant Governor, and Texas Representative.

"This is a significant event for our institution because it will help students learn more about the primary election process," said Dr. Windy Lawrence, associate professor of communication studies and director of the Center for Public Deliberation. "It's also important because it offers productive two-way communication between voters and candidates."

UHD students are regularly engaged with civic engagement. In addition to the many events presented by the Center of Public Deliberation, the University annually hosts Walk 2 Vote. Each November, this annual stroll to the polls takes students from campus to the nearby Harris County Tax Office to cast ballots. It has served as a model activity promoting voting for other institutions of higher learning.