I don’t need to tell you how important the 2020 election is.
Everywhere you look, whether it’s the countless commercials, voting initiatives or conversations you’ve had regarding the topic, you probably know the weight of this occasion.
We all know this year is different, and there is more at stake than just who sits in the oval office for the next four years. Thus, the importance of voting, getting your voice heard and the gravity of the situation hasn’t been lost on University of Michigan athletics teams.
Take a look at the 14 Wolverine teams fully registered to vote: baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s cross country, women’s golf, women’s gymnastics, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, softball, men’s tennis, women’s tennis and volleyball.
This type of effort didn’t happen in 2016. The voting initiatives we see everywhere weren’t happening at this frequency. Again, take a look at the Victors Vote committee empowering student athletes to use their voice in the 2020 election and beyond. Even look at the voting initiatives set in place by the Big Ten and the conference-wide off day on Election Day. Everywhere you look there is something shouting at you to get out and vote.
The attitude toward voting this year has manifested itself even in collegiate athletics.
So, if these student athletes who are busy at all times in the day, whether it’s with practice or with school, can register to vote, what’s the average person’s — who isn’t planning on voting — excuse?
In Michigan, you can still register to vote in person until 8 p.m. on the day of the election — so, today.
So why not go do it?
There is no reason not to vote, everything you say to refute that would be — and is — total mularkey. Nothing you can offer to explain why you won’t vote will suffice beside not being able to legally do so. Michigan is a battleground state that could decide the election for goodness sake! Your vote will, in fact, matter.
The student athletes at the University of Michigan have risen to the occasion. They know there is no good reason to waste the opportunity in front of them. They know and respect the responsibility they hold.
So go do it. This election is on track to have the highest turnout of our lives. It doesn’t take that long and if the line is long, stick it out — it’s your responsibility. If you’re in Washtenaw County, use this to help inform you about what’s being voted on in your backyard.
Do your civic duty like the student athletes that you cheer on week in and week out already have. Go vote.
Find your polling place here.
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