Although these groups work diligently, setting up tables around campus and sponsoring events in an effort to educate student voters, sometimes personal conversations are more effective.

But these groups might have a difficult time organizing efficient canvassing efforts and having personal conversations with other MSU students because of recent increased security in residence halls.

The Department of Student Life website currently details a dated MSU policy concerning canvassing on campus, stating groups petitioning, campaigning, canvassing, soliciting or distributing materials only can do so during public access hours. The policy further states groups should sign in at the residence hall reception desk, specify the time period they will be there and respect any signs that a student might have that specifies “No solicitors or distributors.”

Although this policy seems reasonable, it’s one that has not yet been updated to include the recent change that no group is allowed to participate in door-to-door canvassing in residence halls, even if the group has a document giving them permission. This new policy leaves many student groups crying foul, saying this possibly is a free speech violation and that MSU should reconsider this policy.

Obviously, safety of students should be the main priority of every university. Groups not affiliated with MSU should not be allowed to send representatives to dorms to knock on doors, as this could cause a slew of security issues.

But an important amendment should be made to this policy to distinguish between off-campus groups and student groups. Off-campus groups should be restricted to areas outside of living wings in residence halls, but student groups should be able to go door to door and have conversations with other students about the political process and the positions of candidates. These conversations are vital to help encourage students to get involved in the democratic process and cast an informed vote this November.

Informed citizens will make the effort to find out more about candidates and ballot proposals, but canvassing helps begin a political conversation that leaves citizens wanting to find out more. Canvassing also allows local candidates who are not as well known as the senatorial or presidential candidates to communicate their political positions and goals to students.

Canvassing is something that should be promoted among student groups, not restricted. Student organizations should not have to go through a complicated process to have political conversations with other students. It is understandable that canvassing would be restricted for off-campus groups, as security should remain a priority for the university, but MSU needs to alter its policy, allowing student organizations to canvass in residence halls.