As students, we are conditioned to shut out the world around us — as a defense mechanism from people shouting in Free Speech Plaza as much as the dire news stories bombard us from across the world.
It’s much simpler to binge watch television shows on Netflix while we should be studying than to try to digest the ins and outs of politics and public affairs.
But this attitude draws our attention away from how our education is supposed to mold us into well-balanced citizens prepared for life in this country. As young adults, we should embrace any opportunity to take part in the system that shapes our government.
Today, we have the chance to play a role in our own governance by voting for leaders chosen to represent us.
As students, as Democrats or Republicans or Independents, as Greeks or GDIs, by whatever descriptor we choose to identify, we have the opportunity and the duty today to contribute to the democratic process and make our voices heard.
For many of us, this will be our first opportunity to vote in a national election. But whether you turned 18 just in time for this election or have slept through your last few opportunities, don’t let this one go by.
Today’s races may not be as prominent as presidential elections. There are no large-scale conventions or nationally aired debates, but these races play a larger role in your daily life.
The senators on the ballot today can vote to increase federal funding for college students and help limit student debt. Every hurricane season, representatives make sure your district gets the financial help it needs.
Vote because you can. You are lucky enough to live in a country where education is public. The candidates have made their stances and the information is all online. There are no excuses.
Vote out of principle because your Irish, African-American or Hispanic immigrant relatives were once blocked from ballot lines. A privilege they did not have is now a task our generation isn’t bothered to complete.
This is your chance to make government personal, so politics and Capitol Hill don’t seem like such a distant place anymore. What you say matters in this race, and many say the race will be down to the wire. Voting isn’t a distant issue. It’s personal.
Voting is your right and duty. No one can take it away.

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