It's just a trickle now, but prepare for a flood. U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, a Democratic presidential candidate, will visit Hannah Community Center on Thursday to speak and answer questions.

He will be the first of many presidential candidates to visit the area as caucuses and primaries approach.

Make it a point to get out and see these candidates, hear their platforms, ask questions and understand the issues.

Then, although it's been said many times before, get out and vote in the spring and definitely in November for the general election. East Lansing has become a popular place for campaigning during the past three elections. MSU is a large draw for candidates, being a large public university near the state's capital.

Michigan also is a large industrial state with 17 electoral votes and not necessarily easily won by either Republicans or Democrats. Former Vice President Al Gore narrowly edged out President Bush in Michigan in the 2000 election.

And this has been said before, too, but your vote does matter. Remember the 2000 election, and the weeks of chads, lawsuits and indecision in Florida.

Also revisit Michigan's 8th Congressional District election during the same year, when Mike Rogers defeated Dianne Byrum by only about 100 votes.

Just think, your vote might determine who receives all 17 of Michigan's electoral votes.

It is especially important to vote if you are dissatisfied with the president's policies. This is your opportunity to replace Bush if you so choose.

Maybe you don't care about the president or the state of the country - do you care about your own wallet?

Your vote determines who creates the policy that will influence tuition increases, financial aid cuts or, perhaps, fully funded higher education.

Get out, get educated and enjoy the flood.