A "vote here" sign pointing to the MSU Union building shows people where they can cast their vote for the presidential election on Nov. 5, 2024.
Michigan State University’s Faculty Senate voted Tuesday to encourage university leadership to tell instructors students won’t be penalized for voting-related class absences on Nov. 3.
Michigan is a key battleground state in the upcoming national midterm elections, with a close U.S. Senate race between Republican nominee Mike Rogers and Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed potentially determining control of the chamber.
91% of faculty voted to pass the resolution with 9% abstaining. The resolution said Election Day student voting is routinely over 50%, even when early voting opportunities are well-known.
The last time classes were altered on Election Day was when former MSU President Samuel Stanley announced the university's first fall break in January 2020, raising concerns over student voter turnout.
Student Liaison to the Senate JJ. DeFeo brought the resolution forward to the senate.
“Students have consistently come to administrators and have expressed that they have consistently had academic commitments that prevent them from being able to vote,” DeFeo said.
He pointed to the “vital” role student workers play in helping local elections hold elections. Just last week, WKAR, which is housed on MSU’s campus, hosted candidates for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, Democrat William Lawrence and incumbent Republican Tom Barrett, for a lengthy debate.
Faculty Senate Chair John Aerni-Flessner also reiterated the senate's support for Federal Reserve Board Gov. and Professor Lisa Cook, who President Donald Trump opened an investigation into last week in attempt to remove her from the board. Last year, the faculty senate voted to support Cook despite fears of backlash.
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