By Stephanie “Lilo” Madrigal |Staff Writer|
College students need to step up and vote after a decrease in registered young voters since 2008.
Voters between the ages of 18-29 are a full 11 percent lower than in the 2008 election, bringing the amount of registered young voters to 63 percent, according to The Pew Research Center.
“The number of young people registered to vote hasn’t been this low since 1999,” according to www.washington.cbslocal.com.
President Barack Obama saw a high number of young voters in the 2008 election and along with Governor Mitt Romney, are hoping for a high turnout in November.
Not only is voting for president important, there are propositions affecting college students directly.
We are the future and voting this year will affect us drastically.
“Yes on Prop. 30 will help college students with the revenue earned from tax payers and helping colleges in the upcoming years,” said CSUSB alumni, Christina Giurlanda.
If Proposition 30 does not pass college students will see an increase in budget cuts, which is something I personally do not want to see. Tuition and other campus fees will cost us more and burn a bigger hole in our pockets.
As a student I am seeing and feeling the budget cuts quarter after quarter by having hundreds of dollars added to our tuition in the past year.
“No matter what way you vote, I believe young voters, especially students, need to vote in the 2012 election. It is their future,” said Mari Lopez, parent of a CSUSB student.
I believe voting is extremely important, however, after just asking a few random students around campus, some had no knowledge or urgency to vote this year.
Some students do not feel the need and possibly could care less about voting right now, but they should be concerned because it will affect all of our futures.
Instead of ignoring or bashing the propositions and/or candidates, use your voice to change the future, making our country a better place to live in.
“What is the point of having rights, if you do not to use your right to vote for a change to better your country,” said Riverside Community College student, Tiffany Rachel.
Voting is fast and easy. No matter who or what you vote for I strongly insist everyone, especially students, to vote.
Remember this is your future. Do not walk past the polls this year; you may regret it later.
No one should ignore the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
If you are in need of more information about voting or candidates, please visit www.canivote.org.
This site will provide you with information from what you need to bring in order to vote and information about the election.
You should control your future, go out there and VOTE!