College athletes promote voter turnout while steering clear of political endorsements

College athletes are increasingly focused on encouraging voter turnout ahead of the upcoming election, while largely avoiding partisan endorsements. Many are participating in non-political initiatives to engage young voters, especially in battleground states. University of Montana athlete Lily Meskers recently declined a name, image, and likeness deal to support Senator Jon Tester due to disagreements over his votes on transgender athlete legislation. This highlights the cautious approach many college athletes take regarding political endorsements. Organizations like NextGen America and The Team are mobilizing athletes to promote voting without aligning with specific candidates. This shift reflects a broader trend of athletes using their platforms for civic engagement rather than direct political involvement.