STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Stony Brook student-athletes are being encouraged to have their voices heard on Election Day.
 
Stony Brook athletic director Shawn Heilbron on Saturday announced that Nov. 3 will be a mandatory day off for student-athletes.

The Election Day day-off initiative is gaining steam with college athletic departments throughout the nation.
 
America East basketball coaches earlier this month were among the groups announcing that Nov. 3 would be a day off league-wide.

"We encourage our student-athletes to be a part of the change in our society, and one very important and impactful way to do that is to vote," Heilbron said. "The America East men's and women's basketball coaches have already decided to make Nov. 3 a mandatory off-day. I felt strongly it should be extended to all of our student-athletes."