Get out the vote, sign up for class

The Student Voter Opportunity to Encourage Registration Act provides a great example of student minds working together and would be a strong addition to the class registration process.

Members of the Student Association for Voter Empowerment created the act in order to propose that federally funded colleges and universities should offer students the chance to register as voters while they are signing up for classes.

For years, political and nonpolitical organizations have encouraged young voters to make their voices heard. The VOTER Act seems to be enabling this by benefiting young voters who admit to having problems with the voter registration process, which SAVE cites as 32 percent of non-voting young people.

The act would provide less confusion by offering registration at a time when students are already registering for classes.

SAVE notes that the lack of knowledge in where, how and when to vote are the main reasons for the lack of political participation among many younger voters. Having the option to register to vote during class registration makes the entire process easier for students and may even increase the number of young voters.

With this voting sign-up option, students can make a clear and educated choice to decide whether or not to become a registered voter.

Another benefit of making registration available during class registration is that it gives students a neutral territory in which to register.

Registering for college classes at a federally funded institution would create an environment where students can discreetly choose whether or not they even wish to be politically active. 

This kind of registration process also eliminates the stigma tied to students who elect not to become involved.

During political elections, television and other mediums can bombard viewers with party and candidate choices. This kind of pressure influences political decision making.

Having the registration process through an academic-friendly medium can reduce pressure.

Registering during class scheduling could make for an easier transition into the democratic process for students who already have many important decisions to make when it comes to their future.