Voting gives students chance to be heard

By Katy Dormer

Is this why you don't vote? Or are there other reasons? What are those reasons? Because I would venture to say that whatever your reasons are they would be solved if you would vote. Think about it. You think politicians are corrupt? Well then vote them out of office. Show them that the corruption will no longer be tolerated. You think the government is biased against you? Then vote; let your voice be heard so you are not forgotten. Do not be left behind. Participate in every aspect of our government that you possibly can. The government will go on functioning whether you participate or not, so why not make it work to your advantage? Do you need more student loans, but offered at better rates? Then vote for a candidate who makes this cause part of his or her platform.

Did you know that less than half of all the people registered to vote, voted in the last presidential election? And the number of people who are registered to vote is far less than the number of people eligible to vote. That may not mean anything to you, but it would certainly make a difference to the late Robert Kennedy. In 1968, Kennedy rallied to get the then voting age changed from 21 to 18 - years - old. One of the main reasons behind this was the war in Vietnam. Kennedy argued that young men were being drafted into the military at age 18, and yet these same young men who were dying for our country were not allowed to have a say in their fate because they were not allowed to vote.

Fortunately today we do not have such a present threat as Vietnam to motivate us to vote. However, we do have the responsibility to vote to avoid any further conflicts like Vietnam. At this time in our history we are living in an uncertain world. We no longer have just the enemy of the Cold War; instead we are faced with many rogue nations with nuclear power whose relations with us are at best, strained. So what can you do? Vote for people whom you believe will best represent your views and opinions when it comes to world conflict.

There is a multitude of reasons why people should vote, and vote at every election. I am sure most of you know some of them if not all. Look at the example of Jesse Ventura. The current governor of Minnesota was a former wrestler who would strut around in spandex and a pink boa. However, his candidacy inspired thousands of people to register to vote and get involved in our system of government. I do not wish to compare myself to Jesse Ventura, but I hope that each one of you finds a reason that sparks you to vote and get involved in our government. If a grown man walking around in spandex and a pink boa makes you feel patriotic, then so be it, more power to you.

John F. Kennedy once said, "The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all." Do not be the ignorant one. Educate yourself and those around you and vote this year.

Katy Dormer is a communication/political science major.