Since Jan. 1, Michigan's 23rd Senate District has been without a senator.
Today, voters will decide who gets to fill the seat last held by Virg Bernero, who is now the mayor of Lansing.
Two candidates, Rep. Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, and Republican Vince Green of Okemos, are vying for the seat.
It's important for students to make their voices heard by voting, said Steve Purchase, president of the MSU College Democrats.
He said it can help to convince people that college students are a politically active group that is interested in what the issues are.
For information on where to vote, visit the East Lansing City Clerk's page at www.cityofeastlansing.com or www.mcgi.state.mi.us/mivote/voterSearch.aspx.
The Republican candidate
The state needs to look for programs that will allow Michigan to be more attractive to diverse businesses, said Green, an Okemos attorney.
Green said the state needs to change its tax structure to make it friendlier to new businesses.
He is especially concerned about the Single Business Tax, which he said is harmful to business.
He also believes the state needs to find ways to diversify its economy, he said.
"I'm not giving up on the auto industry, but we've got to diversify," Green said.
Green defeated John Findlay in the Republican portion of last month's primary by only one vote, 1,317-1,316.
Findlay considered filing for a recount but decided not to because he believed the delay in determining the Republican nominee would hurt his chances of being elected.
Green said that Michigan could use resources at MSU to work to improve industries like technology and agricultural research.
Green said the state also needs to be sure college education will be affordable.
"We have to make sure that we attract the type of students that will soon be the providers in our economy," he said.
The relationship between MSU and its community is important, Green said, because what happens at MSU affects the surrounding community.
The Democratic contender
Whitmer's work in the Legislature would make her transition from the House to the Senate go smoothly and will help her to "hit the ground running," she said.
Whitmer's first priority will continue to be funding for schools, especially MSU, she said.
Education is one of the major things necessary for Michigan to turn around its economy, Whitmer said.
"Some of the most cutting-edge technology is being developed right here," Whitmer said.
Whitmer said the state needs to change its business culture to get new businesses to locate here.
"We have to do everything we can to get businesses to locate here," she said.
Whitmer defeated Democratic nominees Melissa Sue Robinson and Anthony Benavides. She received 7,637 votes, nearly 85 percent of votes cast in the Democratic portion of the primary.
