As Washington University prepares its students to go out into the world and become leaders, it is important for these students to engage in our democracy by voting in national elections. College students across the country have notoriously low voter turnout; according to a Tufts University study, only 48.3% of eligible college students voted in the 2016 election. 41.8% of Washington University students voted during the midterm election in 2018. To encourage every eligible student to vote, Washington University in St. Louis should follow the example set by Columbia University and Liberty University and cancel classes on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
Without the option of early voting in Missouri, WashU voters have to dedicate several hours to cast their ballot at the on-campus polling location; canceling classes will provide students the necessary time to vote regardless of their class schedule. Students should not have to choose between going to class and participating in our democracy.
While classes should be canceled, the University should consider putting on optional lectures and discussions for students to explore topics relevant to civic engagement and voting. This initiative will provide students with the ability to vote and provide academic opportunities.
As a student at Washington University in St. Louis, I support the policy change described above…
Updates
November 5, 2019
I have been hearing from so many of you about the logistical nightmares of trying to balance heavy course loads with the long lines at our local polling places. The administration remains quiet for now but your shared stories confirm that nobody should be forced to choose between their education and their fundamental right to participate in our democracy.
November 5, 2019
Seeing this conversation take off across campus reminds me why I started this in the first place. Watching so many of my peers push for the same change gives me real hope that my professors and administrators will finally listen to us.
Reached 100 supporters
November 5, 2019
14 Comments
should be a no brainer. no one should have to miss a lecture just to participate in democracy
I have an exam that day and I dont know how I am gunna make it to the polls. This would help so much.
This is so important !!!!!
YES. please make this happen so we dont have to choose.
Voting takes way too long on campus. We need the day off to actually get it done.
The right to vote should be cherished
go bears！
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As Washington University prepares its students to go out into the world and become leaders, it is important for these students to engage in our democracy by voting in national elections. College students across the country have notoriously low voter turnout; according to a Tufts University study, only 48.3% of eligible college students voted in the 2016 election. 41.8% of Washington University students voted during the midterm election in 2018. To encourage every eligible student to vote, Washington University in St. Louis should follow the example set by Columbia University and Liberty University and cancel classes on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
Without the option of early voting in Missouri, WashU voters have to dedicate several hours to cast their ballot at the on-campus polling location; canceling classes will provide students the necessary time to vote regardless of their class schedule. Students should not have to choose between going to class and participating in our democracy.
While classes should be canceled, the University should consider putting on optional lectures and discussions for students to explore topics relevant to civic engagement and voting. This initiative will provide students with the ability to vote and provide academic opportunities.
As a student at Washington University in St. Louis, I support the policy change described above…
Updates
November 5, 2019
I have been hearing from so many of you about the logistical nightmares of trying to balance heavy course loads with the long lines at our local polling places. The administration remains quiet for now but your shared stories confirm that nobody should be forced to choose between their education and their fundamental right to participate in our democracy.
November 5, 2019
Seeing this conversation take off across campus reminds me why I started this in the first place. Watching so many of my peers push for the same change gives me real hope that my professors and administrators will finally listen to us.
Reached 100 supporters
November 5, 2019
14 Comments
If we truly want to encourage civic engagement, students must be given every opportunity to vote on Election Day.
should be a no brainer. no one should have to miss a lecture just to participate in democracy
I have an exam that day and I dont know how I am gunna make it to the polls. This would help so much.
This is so important !!!!!
YES. please make this happen so we dont have to choose.
Voting takes way too long on campus. We need the day off to actually get it done.
The right to vote should be cherished
go bears！
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If we truly want to encourage civic engagement, students must be given every opportunity to vote on Election Day.