Political activism is something many people associate with college campuses.

Students typically are moving away from home for the first time and can begin to get involved in their new communities.

There are many ways for students to become engaged politically.

It is important for students to become active in their communities, said Stephen Purchase, president of the MSU College Democrats.

"(Students) are now, for the first time, representative of a community of peers with similar interests," Purchase said. "It's important that our interests are represented in government."

Students interested in joining the College Democrats should visit their Web site at www.msudemocrats.org.

The College Democrats also will be working to register voters on campus.

"Especially this year, with the governor and senatorial elections, it is very important to vote," said Justine Ivanoff, chairperson of the MSU College Republicans.

Like their counterparts, the MSU College Republicans will be working to register new voters on campus.

Those interested in joining the College Republicans should visit their Web site at www.msu.edu/~repubs.

Other politically active student groups include the Young Americans for Freedom, Students for Economic Justice and the Black Student Alliance, among others.

Students can also get involved in governing their own communities by joining ASMSU or the Residence Halls Association.

Voter registration applications for Michigan elections can be found at www.michigan.gov/sos. Another helpful site for voting information is www.youvote.msu.edu.

The primary elections for statewide races will be held Aug. 8.

The general election is scheduled for Nov. 7. In order to be eligible to vote, voters must be registered 30 days before the election.

Important elections and proposals in Michigan this year include:

• Governor: The two major party candidates are Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Dick DeVos.

• U.S. Senate: One of Michigan's two senate seats is being contested.

• 23rd State Senate District: The district is made up of Ingham County and includes MSU.

• 69th State House District: The district includes most of the city of East Lansing and Williamstown and Meridian townships.

Because the last person to hold the seat was current Sen. Gretchen Whitmer and the seat is now vacant, this will be considered a special election.

The winner of the seat will take office immediately following the November general election instead of waiting until January 2007.

• Michigan Civil Rights Initiative: This ballot proposal seeks to end "preferential treatment" by government entities, including public universities and colleges. It calls to essentially end affirmative action.