As a united group of current students, proud alumni, and active community members of Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), we feel compelled to bring forward a significant yet solvable issue: the need for a polling place right on our campus. Unlike many public universities in Florida, FGCU does not currently have a polling location on its campus, a situation that unfairly burdens students and the surrounding community members who wish to participate in the democratic process.

FGCU is home to a vibrant and diverse population of over 15,000 students, many of whom are newly eligible voters excited about engaging in elections that determine the course of their present and future. However, without an on-campus polling station, these students face numerous hurdles, including limited access to transportation and busy academic schedules, which can deter their efforts to vote. Moreover, local community members who live near campus also stand to benefit from a conveniently located polling place.

According to a report by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), establishing a polling location at colleges increases voter turnout by an average of 5-7% among young voters. With a campus polling station, FGCU will not only empower its students but also enhance the community’s overall voter participation.

We respect the logistical challenges involved in setting up a new polling place, but the benefits far outweigh the setbacks. We urge the Lee County Supervisor of Elections and FGCU administrators to collaborate on this initiative. Implementing mobile voting units or designating existing campus buildings for voting can create a smooth and efficient voting process for all.

Join us in our quest to make FGCU a more inclusive and actively engaged campus by signing this petition. Your support can play a crucial role in shaping the future of our university and fostering a culture of civic involvement. Let's make it easier for FGCU Eagles and the local community to soar in the realm of democracy. Please sign this petition today!