Someone is trying to get your attention on Saturday, and it’s not that guy or girl from your 9:30 class.
Actually, there are many people trying to catch your eye, and hopefully even your vote. Several candidates are laying out their plans for the improvement of Louisiana in the race for governor.
Through their vigorous campaigns and active attempts at educating voters about their platforms, these candidates convey what the next four years will look like under their leadership.
As they do this, you must ask yourself “what is the reason that I should vote?”
Aside from political participation being one of, if not the single greatest, benefits of citizenship in a democratic society, the men and women that govern our state are responsible for the budget and tax system of Louisiana.
They have the ability to finally finance Louisiana State University at appropriate levels or continue to maintain a substandard funding that hinders the progress of our school nationally.
They make decisions about legal drinking ages, the future of TOPS, and often times are responsible for attracting businesses to offer jobs to recent college graduates.
We are overly dependent on the decisions they make. Unfortunately, “they” don’t always consider us before making them.
All too often, our age group does not express any political opinions, and we are consequently left to deal with the decisions made by others. This gives us little opportunity to voice our concerns when decisions still can be made.
You can change all this starting with the election this Saturday, Oct. 4.
By making yourself aware of the issues in this election, the personalities behind the candidates, and the plans illustrated for the next four years, you can help to turn the tide on voter apathy.
If we, the students of this state, vote in higher numbers we will see candidates address our concerns with more attention and passion. If we vote with more attention to the issues, issues will become more aligned with our concerns.
If we vote, they will pay attention.
Student Government is here to help you in your quest to make an informed decision in this election.
In the SG office (Room 324 of the Union) we have information from the major candidates explaining their issues.
Our hope is that more students will vote and vote in a more informed way.
We want to help you do just that. If you are not registered to vote yet, we can help with that too.
We’ve got plenty of voter registration cards in the office. It’s too late for the primary on Saturday but you can vote in the runoff in November if you register soon.
The importance of this election should be reason enough to vote, but other elections are important too, and you should not overlook future opportunities to voice your beliefs.
Vote for the candidate that best represents you, but don’t stop there.
You can let your voice be heard throughout the year, not just during elections.
Write, call or e-mail your elected officials and tell them any concerns you may have. Be sure to give them our opinions now in the election and hold them to their promises during their terms in office. Never let them forget that they work for you.