Just two years ago, a bunch of highly educated people in their mid-20s in Cairo protested the crushing dictatorship that had governed Egypt for their entire lives.

The corrupt regime failed to provide them with opportunities for the future, which is what they fought for — died for — the right to have a legitimate say in what happens next.

Half a world away, the promise of our futures is overcast by an uncertain economic climate, too. The difference? After acquiring 18 birthdays, we simply are ordained with the right to vote.
I all too often hear people say they don’t care about politics. False — you do.

Do you drive? The roads you traverse are maintained (or not) by political decisions. Got a job? Taxes come out of your paycheck. Eat food produced by anyone other than yourself? FDA regulates , or doesn’t, the quality of food we eat.

Got loans for college? Have sex without the intention of having a kid? Got opinions on gay rights or immigration? In the military or have friends who are? Take medications or get the flu?
You might not care for the psychotic cast of characters who compose our governmental bodies, but you do care about the decisions they make.

I’m not saying you have to study the news every day or know all the ins and outs of the financial crisis of 2008. We’re not all expected to change to political science majors. But at least realize how this election will impact you.

Are you an art major? Get familiar with how tax cuts affect community and educational art programs. Are you a preprofessional health kid? I hope you know how the repeal, reform or continuation of the Affordable Care Act will affect you and your future patients. Going into education? Union rights and budget cuts are on the table this election.

You don’t have to know it all, but it’s your responsibility as a citizen to advocate what you’re passionate about.

Voting is about as patriotic as it gets. We stand for freedom, but choose not to use it? I believe the line is home of the free, not home of the apathetic.

It’s easy to be satiated by the Kardashians and infinite “SportsCenter” loops, and it’s fine if that’s what entertains you.

But entertainment doesn’t govern the communities we live in. It might be what we talk about, but it’s not making decisions for us, about us or affecting us.

We hold the keys to shifting gears. We choose active participation instead of passive preoccupation. This doesn’t have to consume your life, but recognize that it constructs your life.

Just as we stand at a crucial cross section of our individual futures, this country stands in a parallel position. The current candidates have drawn two very distinct paths; many issues will be decisively decided by this election.

We’re going one way or the other, so sit out this election — this election in the prime of our voting-age youth — and miss your chance to have been a part of it either way.

Don’t like either major candidate? There are others in the running. Casting a vote for Gary Johnson or Jill Stein won’t likely lead to their victory, but it sends a message. Contribute to the statistics; let your vote serve as a statement in opposition to the two-party system.

It wasn’t all that long ago women got the right to vote; blacks, too. And once enfranchised, they fought to eliminate obstacles prohibiting them from doing so.

Exercise the right that’s come with the privilege of being born in this generation in America. Engage in one of the world’s most peaceful transitions of power.

Throughout the course of history, countless people have died for the opportunity to do what we all have the ability to do come November. Think of this when you don’t feel like standing in line at your polling location.

The last day to register to vote in Michigan is Oct. 9. Check out youvote.msu.edu for more information. Even if you’re not sold on a candidate — or not sure if you’ll vote — at least register so you’ll have the option.

Abby Wood is a guest columnist at The State News and a journalism senior. Reach her at woodabby@msu.edu.