VALDOSTA, Ga. – Blazer athletics, along with the One Team Coalition, are encouraging student-athletes to exercise their right to vote with the help of various resources.
 
The One Team Coalition, which is comprised of student-athletes who were selected for their respective team, have come together to help increase participation with Valdosta State student-athletes in the upcoming presidential election Tuesday, Nov. 3. Blazer athletics is encouraging athletes to vote by helping them stay informed, the use of Voter Vans, and an "All Vote, No Play" initiative set forth by the Gulf South Conference. Student-athletes are also encouraged to take a picture of themselves voting to be a part of a Blazer athletics voter participants collage.
 
Student-athletes can find out more information from the VSU Student Diversity and Inclusion's BLAZE the Ballot Initiative. This link will help students find out frequently asked questions regarding the election, such as where a student can register to vote as well as where they can cast their ballots on Election Day. To find out more information about the BLAZE the Ballot Initiative, visit the link above.
 
The use of Voter Vans will allow student-athletes who don't have any forms of transportation to be able to get to the nearest polling location and vote. Volunteer athletic staff and coaches will offer rides to students wanting to participate in the election. For more information about this resource and to sign up for yourself, follow the "Voter Van Registration" link above.
 
Finally, the Gulf South Conference Board of Directors has designated Nov. 3, 2020, as a mandatory day off from required athletic activities to promote student-athlete participation in the 2020 National Election, to which this policy will be applied every four years for national presidential elections. In addition to the mandatory day off, the conference will provide GSC student-athletes with state-by-state information regarding voter registration, absentee ballot processes, and early voting opportunities.