Early Voting Helps Students Break Down Barriers To Our Democracy

Posted by Forbes on February 10, 2026

Election Day can be daunting and overwhelming for young voters. Bryce Bennett, Executive Director of Vote Early Day, breaks down why early voting is such a powerful tool to making voting accessible for college students.

For generations, students have faced unique barriers to voting. Whether it’s navigating the process as a first-time voter, balancing the demands of school and work, or lacking reliable transportation, students and young people often face obstacles just to cast a ballot. With critical state and local elections on the line this fall, it’s time to break down those barriers. One of the most powerful tools students have to overcome these barriers is early voting.

Voting early — whether in person or by mail—gives Americans, especially students, the flexibility to cast their ballot at a time that works best for them, ensuring their vote is submitted and counted while helping reduce lines at polling places for those who choose to vote on Election Day. If a student voting early has issues, such as not having the proper identification (which disproportionately impacts students) or going to the wrong polling place, they have time to rectify the problem and still cast their vote. Early voting also helps voters avoid unexpected obstacles and last-minute problems, such as tests, travel, or illness, that could stop them from voting. We’ve seen even well-planned efforts to vote on Election Day fall apart when problems arise.

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