Students must give a damn about elections

It is easy for college students to be self-centered and segregate themselves from national issues, but what many college students don't realize is that issues on the national level affect them too. This is why the decision of the next American president is important. Everyone has a strong opinion about something pertaining to the election, whether it is the war, women's rights, foreign policy or taxes. That is why it is imperative that students watch the debates and take an interest in this country.

College students are directly affected by all of the issues discussed in the debates. Even the war in Iraq affects the campus. Though it is miles away, everything that happens in Iraq has a direct consequence in America, whether it is friends or family that have served, the price per gallon of gas or the possibility of a draft. Not everyone is willing to volunteer years of their life to serving in a war where the death toll is high and the war itself is questionable.

Finding a candidate that encompasses individual beliefs and supporting their campaign through voting can make all the difference. Sure, one vote doesn't count much, but if every student flocks to the polls, then students can make a huge dent.

Students must stop being apathetic about the elections. We must make our voices heard or we will lose the opportunity to influence at the federal level. Work, schoolwork and apathy are common excuses for not voting. Absentee ballots and flexible voting times nullify these excuses. Come on students, stand up for your rights and give a damn about the decisions that will affect your life.

Women's rights abortion are other subjects that affect college students. Young women want to grow up in a world where they have as much influence as their male counterparts, and want their children to have that same opportunity. Pro-life, pro-choice arguments in the national debates should incense every woman on campus to stand up and pay attention. This is a topic that can personally affect every woman. Why would students ignore such a huge decision as president, when that decision will affect policy for years to come?

Americans have to wait until they are 18 to vote, so why squander that privilege? Voting is a necessity in a democracy. If people fail to vote then the politicians are not representing everyone, only those who exercise their rights. Since the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 in 1971, everyone eligible should take advantage of the chance they have to make a difference by contributing their voice to the polls.

Besides, if students don't vote or take an interest in politics, they have no right to complain when the next president raises tuition or enacts a national draft.