The student body has a chance to make a difference today, but it also has a chance to maintain its reputation of being part of an apathetic generation. Today’s midterm elections will decide who will control the legislative branch of the country’s government. Voters have the chance to elect U.S. House representatives, senators and state officials and to voice their opinion on proposed constitutional amendments. It is a common complaint among students that their elected officials rarely do anything for them – that politicians do not deserve their time and support. But today is your chance to show our elected officials that they should pay attention to the concerns and ideas our generation has to offer. The Associated Press reported Oct. 1 that Louisiana had its lowest voter turnout in more than a decade in the state’s midterm elections, with only 20 percent of the state’s registered voters turning out to vote. And congressional elections are famous for inspiring few voters to do their civic duty. This election is particularly interesting because there is widespread speculation that the Democratic Party could win enough seats to take over the House and the Senate. Despite the political furor swirling amid this speculation, we ask you to be prudent with your vote. Our country is at a crossroads, and neither political party is organized to address complex issues such as a foreign war, terrorism or rebuilding the Gulf Coast. Vote for the candidates who will do the best job in office, regardless of their party affiliation. Show America that our votes can mean more than they do now and that we, the students, are capable of supporting a candidate for what he or she represents, not because of the party affiliation next to their name. Vote for the candidate who will best represent Louisiana through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Look at incumbents who fought to revive the wounded state. And look at those who didn’t, those who have been knee-deep in corruption allegations and those who are far from being able to concentrate on what Louisiana needs. Look into the the eight proposed amendments on the ballot. Though none may directly affect the University, they will still shape the direction our country takes in the future. Whatever you decide, do not let your vote go to waste.
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