On Tuesday, you'll get the chance to decide who should run for the Michigan Senate.

A special election on March 14 was announced by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to find a replacement for Virg Bernero, who was elected mayor of Lansing in November. The primaries will be held Tuesday.

The seat represents the greater Lansing area, which directly affects students here at MSU.

That's why we're asking you to care.

We've spent countless amounts of space on this page urging you to vote in various elections: a president in November 2004 and East Lansing City Council members last November.

We've pleaded with you, and when voter turnout proved to be dismal, we've chastised you for your apathy.

We realize not everybody is registered to vote here, making it hard for them to get involved.

But many of you can vote here and you don't.

We've heard a lot of excuses.

"I won't live here long."

"It's cold."

"I don't care."

But you should care. Here's why:

The candidate elected could sit on some very influential committees. A spot on the Senate Appropriations Committee, for instance, could help influence how much money MSU gets in the budget process.

And more money for MSU can mean tuition doesn't rise, and that's more money in your pocket.

A senator can introduce bills that alter the way you live, like ones that change the penalties for getting a minor-in-possession ticket, how much you pay for gas or whether you can bring home an open bottle of wine from a restaurant.

Bills can also change whether you could get an abortion or how much you get paid at a minimum wage job.

In his time, Bernero introduced bills that would have prevented an employee from firing you because you smoke and made it easier for students to vote in elections.

Senators have the power to introduce legislation that can change your life, and they have the power to vote against that legislation.

Shouldn't someone with that much power be picked by you?

Senators serve at least four years, long enough to pass bills that can affect you and those who'll come after you. You should be voting for someone that can benefit future Spartans.

The only way to make sure the senator that represents you and your beliefs is elected is to vote in the primary Tuesday and the election in March.

Stand up for yourself and your rights, and make your voice heard.