College Basketball is playing a pivotal role in one of 2020’s most interesting civic engagement campaigns. One that could have a measurable impact on this year’s US Elections.

Several sports organizations are encouraging voting in this year’s US election. Through some of the most robust civic engagement campaigns in American sports history. Through public service announcements from the NFL and MLB encouraging people to vote. NBA star LeBron James recently formed a voting rights group. In the WNBA, Atlanta Dream players are even campaigning against one of their team’s owners.

The most interesting sports-related civic engagement campaign affects college sports. Starting this year, Election Day will be a day off from practices and competitions for NCAA Division I student-athletes. A move made in an effort to encourage student-athletes to take part in American democracy. This was a campaign led in large part by college basketball players and coaches.Which is somewhat ironic because college basketball’s regular season typically begins on or near Election Day.

College Football in recent years had games on Election Day. That sport found itself thrust into the political fray this year. When conferences faced political pressure to play back in the summer. Despite mild grimacing from some college football coaches over the NCAA’s Election Day move. Frustrated that the practice ban will impact game-day preparations. This move is laudable for one basic reason. It’s an effort to encourage more young people to vote.

Young people historically don’t turn out to vote in large numbers. They historically trail all other voting eligible age groups. According to US Census data, turnout among 18-29 year old voters in US Presidential elections surpassed 50 percent twice since 1980. In 2016, 46.1 percent of eligible 18-29 year old voters cast a ballot. They were the only age group with below 50% turnout that year. Politics aside, anything to improve youth turnout and engagement is welcome. Anything to improve turnout full stop is a welcome development.

There are all kinds of reasons why youth turnout is typically low. Many young people move around during their late teen’s and 20’s. Due to college, military service, volunteer service, work and marriage. Those changes of scenery leave young people less rooted in their community. There’s also frustration over the political process itself. Frustrations with leaders and political parties and their policies. Along with a sense that leaders are out of touch with young people’s priorities.

Lack of youth participation in America’s political process fuels an unfortunate cycle. Since young people don’t turn out to vote in high numbers. Many of their priorities get ignored by politicians. Young people have the power to change that through the ballot. Through making leaders pay attention to them by challenging them to deserve their vote.

Student-athletes and other young people are harnessing their power in significant ways this year. Through taking part in protests against racial injustice throughout 2020. Putting leaders, including some of America’s most famous college coaches in the hot seat. Plus, data points towards a surge so far in youth early voting turnout. Regardless of the ultimate winners and losers; America wins when Americans participate in it’s democracy.

Election Day is November 3rd, please vote if you’re eligible and haven’t already done so.