Dear Rutherford County Election Commission,

We, the students of Middle Tennessee State University strongly urge you to establish a polling place on our campus.

By providing convenient access to voting facilities within our educational institution, we can enhance democratic participation and empower the voices of young voters.

Currently, many students face significant barriers when it comes to exercising their right to vote. With limited transportation options and busy schedules, accessing off-campus polling locations becomes a challenge for numerous individuals. As a result, this hinders our ability as young citizens to engage in the democratic process fully.

By establishing a polling place on campus, we can address these obstacles and promote civic engagement among students. Here are some key reasons why this initiative is crucial:

1. Enhancing Accessibility: According to data from the National Study of Learning Voting and Engagement (NSLVE), voter turnout among college students increases when they have easy access to polling places on campus. By bringing voting booths closer to where we live and study, more eligible voters will be able to participate in elections.

2. Encouraging Youth Participation: The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) reports that youth voter turnout is historically lower than other age groups in Tennessee. Providing an accessible polling place on campus will encourage more young people to exercise their right to vote by eliminating logistical barriers.

3. Fostering Civic Education: Having a polling place within our educational environment offers an opportunity for hands-on civic education initiatives such as mock elections or candidate forums organized by student organizations or faculty members. This engagement can help cultivate informed voters who actively participate in shaping their communities.

4. Supporting Local Economy: Establishing an additional polling location benefits local businesses near campuses as increased foot traffic during election periods stimulates economic activity within the community.

We believe that by implementing this change, we can strengthen the democratic fabric of our community and empower the voices of young voters. We kindly request that you take our concerns into consideration and work towards establishing a polling place on campus.