For the politically savvy, the fact that MSU is located down the road from the state Capitol opens obvious doors for getting involved in politics. But for those who are not aware of how to exercise their American right to become involved in politics, there are resources at MSU that can help.

On campus, two of the larger political groups are the MSU College Democrats and the MSU College Republicans.

Jaclyn Macek, spokeswoman for the MSU College Democrats, encourages students to attend the group's meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. every other Tuesday night in North Case Hall.

For those who lean to the right, the MSU College Republicans are just as welcoming to newcomers.

Tim Phelps, a member of the group, said the College Republicans host a variety of activities.

"You can give an hour or two to stuff envelopes, go to a rally, put a sticker on your door or work full-time on a campaign," he said. "We find out how we can serve each person best."

MSU College Republicans meet every other Wednesday night in the Union or in Case Hall.

For students who don't identify with the Republican or Democratic parties, there are still ways to be involved.

Direct Action is a group of students and other Lansing-area residents that makes political statements through protests and other action. The group meets at 6 p.m. in the MSU Union every Tuesday.

But many political leaders say that voting is the best type of involvement. Students who want to vote in East Lansing must change their driver's license address or vote by absentee ballot.

Kelly Chesney, spokeswoman for Secretary of State, Terri Lynn Land, said the address-change process is easy. Potential voters can fill out a change of address form online, at the City Clerk's office or at East Lansing's Secretary of State office.

Students can find out where they are registered to vote by visiting sospublius.org. Members from the MSU College Democrats and MSU College Republicans also will be at the Academic Orientation Program to register voters.