COLUMN: Voting should be priority for students
“Vote. If you don’t, who will?” This is the statewide campaign for civic awareness across all Utah college campuses.
The Public Affairs Board for the Associated Students of Utah State Univesity, in conjunction with Utah’s college council of civic awareness, is trying to do whatever it takes get students registered to vote and inform them of political activity on their respective campuses and communities
As students, we may question the big push to vote, but if we don’t make our voice heard, why should local and national representatives adjust their schedules to us? As citizens of the United States, it is our civic duty to use this avenue and participate in the political process.
America’s first president, George Washington, said, “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”
By voting, the government will not be left to “irresponsible action.” However, if final voting percentages for Utah State’s student body elections and local municipal are similar, only 19 percent of students nationwide voted in the 2000 presidential election. The majority of students choose not to vote either because of busy schedules, lack of registration or misdirection of priorities.
As the executive vice president, it is my plea that as students, we take the time to educate ourselves on current political issues and take the time to register and vote. Can you imagine the influence the students would have in Logan if even 75 percent voted? We could elect whomever we pleased with the agenda we desired to push through.
There was an editorial published in Monday’s Statesman stating that ASUSU Executive Council is being too passive. From personal experience and in working with other executive council members, we are doing all we can to civically engage and educate ourselves. Because we do this, we are aware of the correct channels through which we can implement change. However, 21 students alone cannot be the only voice.
As in any government, executive council members are representatives of the voice of the students. It does take work on behalf of the students to be educated on policy issues – not just on a university level but on city, state and national levels as well. As we begin to understand the world around us, we are able to make a difference by educating and engaging ourselves civically. Voting, lobbying and political involvement help us to gain an education that will lead to real changes.
Throughout the week, we have the opportunity to register to vote, listen to Cache County’s former attorney, Scott Wyatt, and become more civically involved. We are not in college just to obtain a degree but to learn the skills that will benefit us our entire lives. Learn to play an active role now. Be smart.
The Public Affairs Board will be holding activities all week that will give students the opportunity to register to vote. Students can also pick up or drop off voter registration forms in Room 326 of the Taggart Student Center. Logan municipal election will be held Nov. 4. Students can find their polling place at http://elections.utah.gov. “Vote. If you don’t, who will?”
Ariel Thrapp is the ASUSU executive vice president. Comments can be sent to arielthrapp@cc.usu.edu.