OUR VIEW: Let your voice be heard, get out and vote

From concerns about immigration and gay rights to issues with social programs and government spending, a range of topics need to be addressed and this year’s election could alter the way problems are or are not solved. Across the country we are seeing that this election is poised to disrupt the status quo. College students have a role to play in this “historic” election.

    What is upsetting you the most right now? Health care, the war in Iraq and the economy are all effecting college students in one way or another, and voting is a way we can help fix these issues, or at least fix who is representing us and our views on these issues.

    Even though it is too late to register to vote if you haven’t already, registering for the next voting session is as simple as going online to Utah.gov. As for the people who are registered to vote, make sure you do vote. You don’t have to wait until election day, you can vote early on campus or the county courthouse in downtown Logan. Not only should you vote, you should be informed before you do it. There is no point in voting for someone if you don’t know what they are standing for. It only takes a few minutes to go online and see where candidates stand on the issues that are most pressing to you. Being an informed voter is vital to the process of how the government works and you are not doing anyone any favors by voting for the candidate that you remember seeing on the biggest poster out on the lawn.

    Voting matters. Your votes and opinions matter. It doesn’t take very long, and it is your responsibility as an American to vote. Voting is what this country is built on, and even if you are too young or are not registered to vote for the election Nov. 2, talk to friends and family who are. Get the conversation started. Our government is supposed to be “by the people.” You are the people, go out and get your voice heard.