By Rachel Kaylor,
Contibutor

Political affairs often intimidate the people that want to be represented. In presidential elections, with campaigning, debates, and the media’s overwhelming coverage, it may be difficult to decipher each candidate’s intentions. However, November 2 is less than a month away and there is still a prominent amount of young adults who do not participate in marking their ballots.

Younger demographics may question themselves, their importance, and the real power behind their choices. Though many register to vote, students may ask themselves why they are voting, and who they are going to vote for? These answers can only be found with legitimate information and their own values.

“I think it’s incredibly important to vote, and to represent yourself,” said Caleb Judy, freshman. “I also have the personal belief that if you don’t vote, then you shouldn’t complain.”

According to CampaignYoungVoters.org, an average of 53% of young adults, ages 18-25, find voting important. So why do the remaining 47% not think it’s essential to vote?

“I think that there’s a lack of interest. Most young adults think that things [voting] do not apply to them,” Judy said.

However, a variety of organizations are forming in order to reach out to younger audiences. For example, partners of RockTheVote.com, such as record labels, corporate sponsors and television shows are using consumerism in order to motivate young adults to vote.

In relation to topics that will come up in debates and discussions, each presidential candidate has portrayed their stance on issues such as jobs and unemployment in the United States, the cost of education, health care, voting rights, and the war in Iraq.

“I believe that the war in Iraq is a huge part of what our generation faces. We’re right in the middle of it. Whoever wins this election dictates how we are going to move forward with it,” said Kayla Lukacs, freshman.

But what exactly makes a good leader? “I want someone who is trustworthy, down-to-earth, and someone who actually cares about the people they’re representing,” Lukacs said.

Senior Kelly Smogor knows exactly what she wants in a leader. “I want somebody who will do the right thing as opposed to the easy thing, both morally and ethically. I think that voting is a great way to show your patriotism at such a young age.”

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