This time next week you could be standing in a voting booth exercising your right as an American.
For many of us it is the first time. For others it is one voting experience of many, but everyone must admit there is something special about this election.
So whether you are a voting virgin or a veteran, the truth for all of us is that in less than 10 days we may very well have a new president.
The question now is not if you are registered, but if you are ready.
It is not too late to get informed on where the candidates stand and by every means each voter should.
We at The BG News have found some valuable Web sites that could help you in your search for the truth. So check out:
* Kerry’s official site www.johnkerry.com
* Bush’s official site www.georgewbush.com
* Badnarik’s official site www.badnarik.org
* Issues, ads, poll tracker at cnn.com
This election is a chance for every one of us to make a difference. Many students who have not chosen a candidate may be swayed by the media, or even by friends or family.
But we here at The BG News want to tell you that your vote is personal. Don’t listen to your mom. Don’t listen to you dad. Don’t listen to your friend that tells you she or he knows everything about the elections.
Figure out what your values are and then decide whose side you believe in.
The way this election is looking there are going to be a lot of angry Americans out there if Bush wins and there are going to be a lot of angry Americans if Kerry wins.
Your vote means so much in this election, it may literally come down to the voice of college students. And if that doesn’t inspire you to make an informed decision, we are not sure what would.
We wish to remind you that the voting process is private by nature and that you don’t need to explain your vote to anyone.
We also hope that if you are feeling a bit left-out because you aren’t registered that you realize it is no one’s fault but your own.
We hope that in the future you will exercise your right.
But to all of you who are voting next Tuesday we say this: It is not too late to make up your mind or change it. Make sure you head to the polls confident you have made an informed decision — the next four years may depend on it.
