More than 99% of SDSU Student-Athletes Register to Vote

“The fact that the overwhelming majority of our student-athletes are registered to vote and participating in the democratic process is meaningful.”

Four hundred and sixty-three San Diego State University student-athletes have registered to vote ahead of next week's election. Eighteen of the SDSU's 19 teams had their entire teams register and in total 99.6% of eligible student-athletes registered.

"One of the pillars of Aztec Athletics is helping our student-athletes grow into young men and women who will be successful upon graduating from San Diego State," said SDSU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics John David Wicker.

"The fact that the overwhelming majority of our student-athletes are registered to vote and participating in the democratic process is meaningful. Our students are the leaders of tomorrow and this is an important step in that process."

The SDSU Athletic Department, a student-athlete leadership council comprising leaders from every Aztec team, and the Associated Students' Rock the Vote initiative collaborated to launch a voter education campaign in attempts to increase voter registration among SDSU student-athletes.

"Everyone was working towards a common goal," said women's basketball player Mallory Adams, who was on the leadership council. "There was such a feeling of power and unity within that. I think that is what helped move the process along. The most challenging part was figuring out the different state requirements because many student-athletes are from out of state."

Mallory Adams and Téa Adams of the women's basketball team penned an open letter to all student-athletes stating, "Voting means we have a say. This is our opportunity to be the difference we want to see in the world."

According to Mallory Adams, the letter "highlighted the importance of voter registration and gaining knowledge in order to make the personal decision of who to vote for."

"I'm a firm believer that in order to make change, you have to be involved," Téa Adams said. "I also believe that as the upcoming generation, we have the ability to help shape the world by using our voices." 

A voter education event co-sponsored by the athletic departments of SDSU, the University of California San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University and the University of San Diego was held last Sunday to give student-athletes an "Election Scouting Report," to help them make informed decisions before voting. 

The report was presented by Zach Kancher, founder of SAVE Alliance, a nonpartisan voter education and engagement platform specifically designed to educate and empower young voters. The event was a nonpartisan voter education experience for student-athletes and coaches who are looking to cut through voter confusion and better understand the "X's and O's" of voting in the 2020  election.

"The laws and propositions that are passed will directly affect us," Kaytlin Barker of the rowing team explained. "We work hard to provide a better future that comes with education, but we also need to make sure we are looking out for our future with the way our country is run."  

SDSU strives to heighten the student-athlete experience while helping them develop life skills that will set themselves up for long-term success. Civic engagement is a value echoed in the Aztecs Going Pro curriculum and given the political and cultural climate of 2020, Aztec student-athletes, coaches and staff have had more in-depth conversations about activism and social justice than ever before.

Voting ends Tuesday, Nov. 3, and San Diego County residents can vote at their assigned polling place as early as Saturday, Oct. 31. NCAA legislation now prohibits practicing, competing, and all other countable athletic-related activities on Election Day.