*The nonpartisan ClemsonVotes coalition will be providing ideas and resources to faculty and instructors throughout the fall 2020 semester via the Clemson Teaching Listserv
Young voters (18-29) turn out to vote at lower rates than older voters (60+), but it’s not for lack of motivation! Data shows that young citizens – and college students in particular – care about the democratic process, but lack of follow-through in the disparate stages of voter registration, voter education, and voter turnout are often a problem.
Students also cite trusting their colleges over other institutions. Faculty and instructors of record may wish to incorporate nonpartisan opportunities to register to vote, learn about the issues and candidates on the ballot, and receive accurate information on deadlines and processes for voting absentee, by-mail, early, or on Election Day so we can empower students to become life-long voters and active citizens.
The 2020 U.S. General Election will be held on November 3, 2020. The deadline for voter registration in South Carolina is October 4, 2020. Students have a choice about where to register to vote. Students attending college may register at their campus address or choose to remain registered or register at their permanent or home address. The nonpartisan Campus Vote Project is a great place to start and has compiled information for all students on state-by-state voter registration: https://www.campusvoteproject.org/.