The United States is among the worst in voter turnout of developed nations. According to an article published by the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan public opinion research organization, only 56% of our voting age population cast ballots in the 2016 general election. For youth voters the statistics are particularly abysmal, with only 46% of 18- to 29-year-olds reporting to have voted in 2016, according to the Census Bureau.

Historically the general election has fallen during the common hour exam period, which makes it difficult for students to take hours out of their day to wait in long voting lines. 

There are numerous barriers that keep United States citizens from voting — there is no sense in allowing higher education be another one.  

Challenge our administration to foster a community of political involvement. 

If Lehigh University is earnest in its commitment to the social, environmental, and economic sustainability of the United States, the university can no longer force students to choose between their academic success and the future of their country. 

This movement is not designed to get students from any particular party or background to vote, but rather to motivate any and all Lehigh students to engage in the political process. We desperately need youth involvement in the decision making process of our country — we are running out of time. 

The college students of today stand to inherit the problems of tomorrow. Demand that John Simon and the board of trustees cancel all graduate and undergraduate classes Tuesday, November 3, 2020 for Election Day.