A review of 76 of the United States' top colleges found MSU ranks in the lower half in terms of student voting ease, according to a statement from WhoWhatWhy.
MSU has student voting opportunities, but lacks in students actually using them to the full extent, Brinson Elliott, WhoWhatWhy election integrity reporter, said.
In terms of Michigan schools, the review only focused on Michigan State and the University of Michigan, which both received a B grade.
Elliot said a B grade means student voter turnout was between 41% and 48%; however, no school had a rate higher than 68%.
In terms of positive features, both Michigan State and University of Michigan have a variety of on-campus polling locations to accommodate busy students, Elliott said.
The review, which ranked MSU at 41st, was based on criteria affecting student voter turnout such as, according to WhoWhatWhy:
It is important to note data used for the review was based on the 2016 general election and did not factor in changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the statement said.
"Every school can improve, and I think the point of this guide is for all of the schools ... being reflective and realizing that regardless of where you stand, there's work to be done," Elliott said. "And that voting can always be made more accessible."
WhoWhatWhy is an independent news site and the review was completed as a part of its Election Integrity Project, according to the statement.
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