Students must pay attention as election nears

In eight weeks, the country takes to the voting booths and will decide its fate for the next four years. Students must take the next eight weeks to educate themselves and to prepare to vote.

Because of age restrictions, this election marks the first time the vast majority of students on campus can vote. Students cannot let this opportunity slip through their fingers; they must take it upon themselves to register to vote and get their absentee ballots set. Take five minutes to call home and get set up.

Both the Democratic and Republican national conventions wrapped up last week. The candidates are official, although it’s been known for months the matchup would be between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

The issues the candidates are sparring over — foreign policy, the economy, student loans — all relate to college students as citizens of the United States. As voters, students must make their voice heard; they cannot expect any change if they do not step up and vote.

As the election gets closer, the debates will begin, the first being held on Oct. 3. This is when the presidential and vice-presidential candidates will clarify their positions on issues and lay out their plans for the future. Students must tune into these debates and become informed voters.