The University is offering a break to students with busy schedules on election day in an effort to encourage them to vote.

Senate has declared a day of academic amnesty for Thursday, October 6, the date of the Ontario election. Students who do not have a break of at least three hours between classes may absent themselves from a class in order to cast a ballot.

Students wishing to take advantage of the amnesty will not be penalized, but must inform their instructors a week in advance and provide a copy of their class schedules as proof of their eligibility.

“Our hope is this will result in more students exercising their right to vote,” says Clayton Smith, vice-provost, students and international.