Talking with fellow students this semester about the election usually leaves me feeling frustrated.
Many have no opinion or just don’t care about what happens. Often I hear people say things like “It’s just one vote…” or “I don’t really like any of the candidates so what is the point?”
These are just lazy excuses. Those “just one votes” add up and if you don’t know anything about the candidates, do some research.
Web sites like Votegopher.com are designed for college students. It takes a neutral standpoint and gives the latest news and information on the candidates so young voters might easily choose.
Even for those who think none of the candidates are any good, wouldn’t it still be wise to pick the candidate that is the best?
Would you want the worst candidate in office, or the one that isn’t quite so bad?
In the 2004 election only 46.7 percent of the population ages 18-24 voted, according to census data. That isn’t even half. Granted, the selection between Kerry and Bush was like trying to choose which foot to cut off. However, if more young people had voted, the outcome could have been different.
The primaries are tomorrow and I encourage everyone to get out and vote. We can make a difference if we just try hard enough. Students who have not yet chosen a candidate should do research tonight and find someone they feel is worth supporting. It is better late than never.
Another problem I encountered on campus is the number of people not registered to vote. Some might feel it is pointless to register now because it’s too late.
Although the deadline to register to vote for the primary has already passed, there is still time to register for the November election. Although participation in the primaries means a lot to some students, selecting a candidate in the general election is just as important. It all goes back to picking the best from the worst.
According to rockthevote.com, Oklahomans must have their voter registration application postmarked by Oct. 13, 2008 in order to participate in the general election. Students may also register to vote on Tuesday during the primaries at any voting place. Registration can also be done at the tag agency.
I encourage everyone to get out and vote this Tuesday, even if you feel the selection isn’t the greatest, your vote counts, so make it count towards something worth living with for the next four years.
Loading ...
All Articles
It’s important for young people to NOT vote, because most young people tend to be naive morons who would vote for the wrong candidate. So I would encourage all the young people to stay home tomorrow. It’s not like one vote counts anyway.
Hello, I was hoping for a list of candates, that I can compare. Is this posible?
Justin,
just because you find young people to have an opinion contrary to yours, it does not make them a moron, it makes you one for being so close minded. People are entitled to their opinion no matter what their age, and acting as if your opinion is the only one that matters is rude and pompous. If young voters find that Ron Paul is the best candidate, then let them vote for him, if they believe Barack Obama is the best candidate let them vote for him, and if they feel that they want to vote for the Pilsbury Dough boy, let them. It is not for you to rank anyone’s intelligence or their opinions less than yours just because they want to vote for someone you don’t particularly agree with.
Irene,
go to http://www.votegopher.com
they will give a list of all candidates currently in the race and they will give you all the information, what they stand for and how they feel on various important topics. Polls close at 7pm so good luck and get voting!!!
Peace
CJ
“People are entitled to their opinion no matter what their age”
Then I am entitled to my opinion that young people are naive morons and shouldn’t vote.
I never said young people shouldn’t be allowed to vote, or that they aren’t entitled to their opinions. I just encouraged young people not to vote because they tend to be naive morons.
I also pointed out the fact that one vote doesn’t count anyway.
Calling me a rude, pompous moron just because I think young people are naive morons is very close-minded of you. It’s not for you to rank my intelligence and opinions as less than yours simply because you disagree with me.