If students are going to talk the talk, they also need to walk the walk. Although polls show great student interest in the 2004 election, it is only the actual votes that count in the end.

A nationwide poll by the Harvard University Institute of Politics found 82 percent of college students say they will definitely or probably vote in the 2004 presidential election, but the real test of student apathy will come when the chads start falling next November.

Public interest, especially from students, is higher for this election because of events such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and a floundering economy. Sixty-one percent of 1,202 students surveyed said they approve of President Bush's job performance.

The 2000 presidential election taught the nation just how important every single vote can be. Now that Michigan is expected to be a key state in the 2004 election, there is even more weight placed on each vote.

During the three years since the last presidential election, there have been many changes within America. While the economy and the terrorist attacks are big issues for this election, other subjects of controversy are the Patriot Act, homeland security and international relations.

More than ever, this is a crucial time for students to get involved by turning out to vote.

Whether students agree or disagree with the way the country is running right now, the only way to guarantee change or stability is to vote.

The poll's findings on student interest are encouraging, but so far, they can't be given much weight.

Some Democrats are worried, however, about the number of stereotypically liberal college students who are now supportive of Bush. Student approval of Bush is about 10 percentage points higher than the general public's approval.

Sunday's Democratic presidential candidate debate in Detroit raised the question of whether politicians are ignoring student voters. With many students becoming interested in the presidential race, this set might be a potential "wild card" in winning the election.

But the candidates don't have endless amounts of time and money to waste creating platforms for an audience that typically does not vote.

Students shouldn't expect politicians to cater directly to their needs unless they are willing to respond by actually going out and voting - and not just in presidential elections, but other elections, too.

Regardless of who students choose to support, they should use the 2004 election not only to make a difference in the governance of their nation, but to establish themselves as an important audience for future elections.

The only way students ever will hold the attention of politicians is by proving themselves through taking interest in elections as well as acting upon that interest as voters.

Students should realize that their votes could determine their individual futures as well as the future of their country.