Calls Grow Louder for Election Day Holiday on College Campuses

(KNSI) — Election Day is Tuesday, and there is a growing call to make it a federal holiday.

It is already a holiday on some college campuses, such as Augsburg University. Augsburg declared Election Day as a holiday in 2020 and will keep it for every fall election.

The school’s Rachel Farris worries students often are surrounded by civic debate and outreach efforts, but awareness about voting doesn’t always reach them. “Overcoming the information hurdle and making sure students know all the options available to them if there are hurdles that will get in their way of actually showing up on Election Day,” Farris said. “So, how do I vote in advance? How do I vote by mail?”

In 2020, the average student voting rate for all colleges and universities in the U.S. was 66%, according to the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement, which is part of the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts University. They say that’s why it’s important for schools to at least have plans in place to help students vote if classes will still be held.

Farris says having the day off isn’t just about casting a ballot. “It also allows all the people in our community time and space to assist others in voting – whether as poll workers or by volunteering to transport people to the polls. So, it’s about a deeper level of engagement.”

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MNC Reporter Mike Moen contributed to this story.

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