Kentucky’s colleges and universities should follow UK and encourage voter registration | Opinion

Universities play a crucial role in fostering a culture of inquiry, curiosity, and the cultivation of young minds. They are beacons of hope for the future, imparting the value of reasoned civic debate in our pluralistic society.

That’s why I was heartened to receive an email from the University of Kentucky this week promoting voter registration and democratic participation in this year’s primary. The email highlighted that as Kentucky’s land-grant flagship institution, UK has a responsibility to strengthen civic engagement in the Commonwealth and beyond. It emphasized the importance of registering and voting, providing links to register by April 17 and request absentee ballots (by May 2) ahead of the May 16 primary. The message was clear: UK values democratic engagement among its community.

However, there is much more that UK, and other colleges and universities in the Commonwealth, can do to promote democracy.

First, every institution of higher education, including universities, colleges, and community colleges, should follow UK’s lead and send a community-wide email to promote voter registration, with links to the state’s websites and an election calendar. High schools should also send similar emails to all seniors. In Kentucky, 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the November election are allowed to vote in the primary.

Second, UK and other universities should promote in-person voter registration drives in student centers and at the various departments throughout campus, coordinating with civic engagement groups that already come to campus. Making voter registration easily accessible to students is a key step to increase voter turnout among young people.

UK should also work with the Fayette County Clerk to use the student center for early voting and to place a ballot drop box on campus. (The Newman Center on campus hosts an Election Day precinct and early voting on May 11, 12, and 13 will take place at Kroger Field.) Other universities, too, should serve as voting locations around the state. Voting should be as easy as possible for students and others affiliated with a university who live nearby.

Third, universities can promote voter education by sending out links to nonpartisan candidate guides and hosting candidate forums. While student groups sometimes host these events, the university administration can take a more proactive approach to make them a regular part of the campaign season. Educated voters are essential for a healthy democracy.

Fourth, UK should extend its policy of canceling classes on Election Day in presidential election years to include all elections, including midterms and statewide elections. The recent decision by the UK Rosenberg College of Law to cancel classes on Election Day each year sets a positive example, making it easier for law students to vote in person or work as poll workers. The rest of the university should follow suit.

Finally, the University should promote pro-voter policies to the legislature. Although we have made strides in recent years, Kentucky’s voting rules are still too restrictive, such as the requirement that voters register almost a month before Election Day. Studies show that states with same-day voter registration or shorter registration deadlines have higher turnout.

Some people may object to efforts to encourage college students to vote, seeing potential political ramifications given the perception that young people skew Democratic. Of course, not all college students are liberal and all political parties should want to engage the newest generation of voters. But either way, we should encourage all people, regardless of politics, to participate in our democracy. After all, elections should be won by the best candidates with the best ideas, not by who can overcome barriers to participation.

UK has taken a commendable first step in promoting voter engagement and providing resources for voter registration. Let’s all follow its advice: check your registration at www.govoteky.com by April 17 and make your voice heard on May 16.

Joshua A. Douglas is a law professor at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law. He is the author of ”Vote for US: How to Take Back Our Elections and Change the Future of Voting.” Find him at www.joshuaadouglas.com and follow him on Twitter @JoshuaADouglas.