• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 23, 2025

Why NCAA D-I Athletes No Longer Get Election Day Off

  • In-season athletes may not get Election day off due to a reversal of a 2020 NCAA rule.
  • Teams are now only required to give athletes a day off within 30 days of Nov. 8.
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN

At the request of the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the NCAA passed legislation in 2020 to make it easier for athletes to vote on Election Day: Teams were mandated to give them the day off from games and practices. 

But this year, in-season athletes are no longer guaranteed the day off. As a result, athletes across the country will be practicing or playing on Tuesday — about 40 D-I basketball teams alone are tipping off their seasons. 

Over the past two years, the governing body has relaxed those restrictions because the athlete committee itself has changed its tune. 

The loosening of the rule began in 2021, when the D-I SAAC reportedly offered up to 15 waivers for schools and conferences to play on Election Day — for various reasons. While some were used for previously scheduled postseason games, others were simply for basketball and football practice.

In June, the NCAA rolled back the rule even further. 

  • Now, only offseason teams are required to take off on Nov. 8. 
  • In-season teams are only mandated to provide a day off for “civic engagement” activities in the 15 days before or after Election Day.

It’s unclear whether the rule change significantly impacts athletes’ ability to vote. While making it to the polls can be a major logistical challenge, many athletes vote early or absentee, due to the fact that they’re registered out of state.

Still, the rule relaxation goes against pro leagues like the NBA, which will not play any games on Tuesday.

This year, the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has gone in the opposite direction, pushing for the entire division to get the day off for the first time.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Giannis Antetokounmpo

DHS Is Arguing With an NBA Fan Account on Twitter

The official government account was arguing with an anonymous Bucks fan.
Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo Rips ‘Ridiculous’ NCAA Move Allowing Former G Leaguers

Michigan State didn’t know an eligibility change had been made, he said.
Jamier Brown

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl talks with his players against the Florida Gators in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Bruce Pearl: ‘The One Thing’ I Miss About Coaching

FOS interviewed ex-Auburn coach on his move to TNT Sports.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Tony Vitello

Tony Vitello’s Stunning MLB Jump Comes With $3M Tennessee Buyout

Vitello heads to San Francisco after winning a national championship in 2024.
October 22, 2025

Big 12’s Yormark Defends Slow NIL Go Approvals: ‘That’s Not a Glitch’

Collectives have been starting to pay players without approvals.
Texas Tech tortillas
October 22, 2025

Texas Tech Is Attempting a Tortilla Crackdown 

Rebellious students are known to smuggle the tortillas in their underwear.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
BYU
October 20, 2025

BYU Lost Its Star QB This Summer. Now It’s One of the..

The Cougars are thriving with a true freshman at quarterback.
Indiana
October 20, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Sports World—Again

After successful NBA and WNBA seasons, Indiana’s football teams are thriving.
October 19, 2025

Beyond Ohio State, It’s Another Massive Shake-Up in the CFB Top 25

Nine of the top 10 teams changed positions in Week 9.
October 19, 2025

Florida, Colorado State Firings Push CFB Buyouts Past $100M

Nine FBS head coaches have been fired since the season started.