To The Editor:
I was deeply comforted and impressed when the George Washington University announced that it will cancel classes on Election Day, as I hope that it will push other institutions to do the same.
Their decision means that each presidential election year, students will have no class obligations, and faculty members will receive a paid day off, providing them the opportunity to vote in person even if lines are long and in-person voting is challenging. If recent elections are any indication, long wait times at many polling stations, especially in urban areas, can be expected.
Millennials and Gen Z are becoming the largest eligible voting block in our country. With institutions like George Washington and American University making November 3 a day off, they have the power to increase voter turnout among our youngest eligible voters. It also sends a message that voting is an important responsibility that we all should take seriously. I encourage our Vermont institutions to consider making this same decision to ensure the votes of all registered students.
Isabel Moffroid
Warren
