Rep. Meek Regarding Voter Suppression on College Campuses

Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek
Regarding Voter Suppression on College Campuses

WASHINGTON, DC-Today, U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) issued the following statement regarding the difficulties encountered by students trying to register and vote on college campuses.

Meek was joined by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) in a meeting with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Wrestlers Maven, The Hurricane, and Chris Nowinski to discuss the issue at the U.S. Capitol. Meek and Ryan are members of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi's "30 Something" Working Group, which raises awareness of issues of importance to young people.

"Across the country, students have reported various problems in both voting and registering to vote at their college campuses. The Supreme Court made this issue crystal clear in a 1979 ruling: students do have the right to register and vote on their college campuses.

"Most students spend nine months of the year in their university or college communities. They inject millions into the local economy through rent, taxes, and tuition and fees. Local elected officials, in addition to other lawmakers, make decisions that have a major impact on the quality of life of students, and all students deserve to have their voices heard on campus polls on Election Day.

"I hope students across the country realize that if they get registered and vote, their issues will be addressed. In college campuses and communities, university presidents and chancellors down to city council members will certainly notice when students assert their rights and vote in large numbers. I sincerely hope that students not only take the initiative to vote, but encourage others to do the same.

"Ensuring students know their rights is key in this process. I hope that other Members of Congress will join Leader Pelosi, Congressman Ryan, the WWE, and me in this effort to educate students about this problem."