Dear Penn State administration,

As Election Day approaches, the student body, along with the rest of the United States, is preparing to cast their vote for the 2024 election. For students to feel less stressed and to vote with a clear mind, professors should be required to cancel classes on Tuesday.

Voting is a fundamental right and civic duty that directly shapes our communities and future. It’s important that the university prioritize this process, allowing every student the opportunity to engage fully without the burden of academic responsibilities.

This year, we have seen a push from the administration encouraging professors to provide asynchronous work on Election Day, acknowledging the importance of civic engagement. While this initiative is commendable, many professors are still choosing to hold classes, leaving students torn between their academics and their right to vote.

This creates an undue burden, especially for those who may have to navigate scheduling conflicts and transportation issues to get to polling places. Mind you, some polling places may be crowded or take a while, causing more time and energy to be used up, adding to that stress.

For some out-of-state students, having the day off would allow them the time they need to travel to their local polling office if they can’t send in mail-in ballots.

By canceling classes, Penn State would demonstrate a commitment to fostering a politically engaged student body and empowering students to exercise their right to vote.

Not only would doing so benefit students, but it would benefit Penn State faculty and professors the opportunity to take the time to vote without having to squeeze in time before or after class.

Institutions like Michigan and Cal have taken steps to support voter turnout and civic engagement. Those institutions enhanced participation rates among students and created an environment that values and encourages active citizenship.

In the university’s efforts to prepare students for life beyond the classroom, it’s crucial to instill a sense of responsibility toward civic participation, too. As a leading institution, Penn State has an opportunity to set a precedent by prioritizing the democratic process and the engagement of our students in shaping their future.

I urge the administration to take action by canceling all classes on Election Day, ensuring every Penn State student can participate in our democracy without academic constraints.