Young people aren't just being pointed at for noise violations and drinking games anymore. With Nov. 7 right around the corner, numerous groups are targeting younger voters and encouraging them to get registered and visit the voting booths for this year's midterm election — and with good reason, too.
Trends have shown that young voter participation in both Michigan and across the nation is far lower than the turnout for people 30 years of age and older. There is, however, a jump for presidential elections — 22 percent of young voters participated in the 2002 midterm election but 47 percent turned out for the 2004 presidential election.
Obviously presidential elections are important. However, voting in midterm elections for initiatives and candidates that will directly affect students should be reason enough to vote.
With controversial issues — like affirmative action — making their way onto the ballot, students should be first in line to represent their opinions at the booths. What many people don't realize is that the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, if passed, would eliminate affirmative action programs for minorities, people with disabilities and women. Issues like this will affect numerous students and their peers.
And the gubernatorial race heating up between Republican Dick DeVos and Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm will shape the city that students call home while attending MSU. Legislation that could help to ensure jobs in Michigan for MSU graduates is just one example of how the gubernatorial election will affect students.
Another topic worthy of debate among students is the candidates running for MSU's Board of Trustees and the people vying for a spot, including student-candidate Lauren Spencer represents the Green Party. MSU students should care about who is making decisions for their university and how those decisions will shape their education.
Examples listed here are just a few of the important issues your vote will help determine in November. The stakes are far too high to let a small portion of Michigan residents make decisions that will affect you. And there are no excuses — to learn about candidates and initiatives, students have plenty of options.
Both the Democratic and Republican student groups are campaigning and going from door to door to support their candidates and initiatives.
Students can also visit Web sites like www.michigan.gov and www.youvote.msu.edu to get the scoop on candidates and ballot proposals and learn where you can register.
The only way to truly support or defeat a candidate or proposal is to vote.
