IRVING, Texas –  In an effort to encourage and enable all of its student-athletes to exercise their right to vote, the American Athletic Conference has announced that Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, will be a day off from competition and other athletic activities. The student-athletes from two football teams, Temple and SMU, who will be practicing on Election Day for their game on Thursday, November 5, will have accommodations made to ensure their ability to cast their votes.
 
“The right of every citizen to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy, and the ability of our student-athletes to exercise that right and civic duty is enormously important,” said American Commissioner Mike Aresco. “I applaud our schools for removing any potential impediments to voting, and for supporting the participation of our student-athletes in the celebration of our republic.”
 
The American, in conjunction with members of its Racial Equality Action Group and its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, will also work to provide voter registration and educational materials to the conference’s student-athletes. Student-athletes will also have access to tools and resources that describe early voting protocols as well as absentee ballot requirements and deadlines.