I have recently heard a lot of hype about the upcoming election on Nov. 7.
Whether it’s about the Foley scandal, what people want out of our congress, or the war, there have been quite a bit of constructive and not so practical comments.
The worst part is that so many students around this campus have such strong opinions, yet not all of them are registered to vote.
Whether you choose to believe it or not, your vote does count in an election. Many people think that since there are so many people in this country, their individual ballot will not have a snowball’s chance in hell in making a difference.
What kind of country would we be to not encourage all citizens to participate in elections? Granted, this is not a presidential election year, but there are still numerous issues facing us.
If you think that electing a senator and governor is not really that big of a deal, think again. These elected officials represent our communities, our states, and vote on important issues in Congress.
If you think we need to stay in Iraq, make sure you are voting for the candidates that fit opinions similar to yours. If you think we need changes in our education system, find the candidate that wants to make it better.
No matter what the issue, there are ways to research what is going on around your community, state, and country.
How many political ads have you seen in the past month?
Though not always tasteful, most have a website you can go to and figure out why the group is so adamant about the topic.
If you find those websites to be biased, what is stopping you from researching further or asking around? The papers, magazines, and news stations have been bombarded with political matters, so read-up on these subjects.
Don’t waste your time being confused about an election, go out and get the facts.
Some young voters are nervous about doing something new and trying to figure out what the voting process entails.
I assure you, it is really not that hard. There are different clubs and dorms on campus and public buildings that will help you get a registration form, then all you have to do is fill it out and send it in.
If you are currently away from your home county, also ask for an absentee ballot.
When people around me voice a political opinion, I get completely ecstatic. Most of the time it sounds like moronic rambling, but because I know what I believe in and what I am passionate about, I can find a good argument.
If we live in this great country, we should be embracing all of the freedoms it has for us. People were killed during the elections in Iraq, and some of us can’t even send in a ballot expressing our views?
So many of us complain about or support what the government is doing, and this is a beautiful act. This act is denounced when those voices are silenced by obviously not caring enough to make their opinions matter by voting.
Along with voting, there are also a plethora of activities or ways that you can make a political difference.
If there is a group you feel is doing great things for the community, find out when they meet and go help. Lay off the keg for one night and go watch a political debate with matters about which you are passionate.
Stop staring at the TV, watching a constant fight between news anchors, and go out and voice your opinions.
We are in America, so we might as well embrace what it has to offer, and make it the best damn country we can.
Send comments to Sarah Barnes at [email protected].
