Even if MSU legally satisfies federal legislation requiring every student to have access to voter registration materials, both Republicans and Democrats want to see more done at the university level to get students involved in the upcoming election.
Under 1998 federal legislation, universities nationwide are required to make a "good-faith effort" to furnish every student with voter registration materials. Non-compliance could jeopardize federally-funded student aid programs.
Similar to other Big Ten Conference schools, MSU sends out a mass e-mail to every student before the election with links online registration materials and information.
Combined with registration locations in five residence halls and the Secretary of State's Mobile Branch Office at the "Party at the Aud" on Aug. 28, MSU is covered under the legislation, according to Ginny Haas, vice president of governmental affairs.
She added it would be very difficult for the university to send hard-copy materials to every student and that the university does its best to inform students about voting.
"The most important thing is that all students understand what it takes to vote," Haas said. "As long as they're educated, then we've accomplished what we want to do.
"We take it pretty seriously."
But both the MSU College Democrats and Republicans want more done, especially opportunities for students to have more face-to-face opportunities to register rather than simple online links that can easily be overlooked or disregarded.
"You have to do more of a face-to-face effort," said Erin Trussell, chairwoman of the MSU College Republicans. "They're not doing enough."
Trussell said her group goes to different dormitories before the election and knocks on doors to hand out registration materials, then sends completed forms in for students.
Still, both groups say increased voter participation among college-aged students will help elect their candidates.
"Once you vote you have the power to send a message," said Nathan Triplett, chairman of the progressive caucus of the MSU College Democrats. "Students tend to be very progressive and tend to support the values of the Democratic party."
Similar to MSU, other Big Ten schools follow a similar procedure when trying to meet the federal requirements.
"To help ensure compliance with the law, we make e-mail contact with every student," said Jim Kosteva, director of community relations at the University of Michigan, adding there's no way to know if every student reads the message.
At The Ohio State University, students were originally each sent hard-copy voter registration forms, although that became too expensive and difficult, according to Jack Miner, manager of business operations for the registrar's office.
"We've taken our e-mail and electronic communication to students seriously," Miner said. "We try to include it in other mailings that are more necessary to read."
