Younger generations in our society will always be tagged with the stereotype that they do not care about politics.
Census data shows that while 58 percent of people age 18-24 were registered to vote in 2004, only 47 percent actually voted in that election; compare that with the 72 percent of citizens older than 55 voting and 78 percent registered in 2004.
The stereotype may seem waranted, but we can change the perception
With the presidential election around the corner, students should realize the importance of getting involved and to understand the topics that could shape their lives in the future.
To help sift through the rhetoric, we will be publishing articles in future issues about things students need to know to make an informed decision come election day.
It is important to look at all the potential candidates for president and distinguish their views, and what their plans will be for the future that could affect their lives.
Candidates are realizing the impact that young people can have on an election and are trying to sway us one way or the other.
Young people should take advantage of this situation.
While it is often repeated that one vote does not make a difference, the more votes that are cast by the younger generation could affect the policies that future politicians make.
While it may be easy to complain about the candidates who are elected, unless a vote was cast by that person, then they should not have anything to complain about.
After all, a vote does not count if it is never cast in the first place.
Young people make up the generation that will handle the future policies; therefore, now is the time that the youth should take an interest in politics.
One vote does make a difference because it can mean change, even if it is a little change.