An Austin councilmember is demanding that the University of Texas take immediate action to address his claims that construction around the campus will make it hard for students to cast a vote.
Zo Qadri depends heavily on the UT student vote, and said he believes that the construction at the Texas union will act as a barrier to those students are wanting to vote in the Texas primary election.
“When students already have fewer on-campus polling options than in the past, constraining access to the remaining central site during a live election period risks suppressing participation among young voters, Qadri said. “Students have long relied on the Texas union to cast their ballots. Limiting access now is unacceptable and preventable.”
While construction around the Texas union is expected to continue through early voting, a spokesperson for the university said construction would not be an issue for students.
In a letter sent to university leadership, Qadri demanded these immediate changes:
•Ensure a fully accessible, clearly marked, unobstructed route to the Texas Union polling site
•Provide adequate and safe queuing space
•Clearly communicate voting access routes and accommodations
•Work with Travis County to deploy additional or temporary on-campus polling locations
Early voting kicks off on Tuesday, February 17.
