(Photo courtesy of fromthebarn.org)
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Decision 2012, or Indecision 2012, as some more satirically-minded might call it, is in full swing with some 60 days remaining until the presidential election. For many students, this will be their first time casting a ballot for the highest office in the land. And, sadly, many in the 18 - 25 age bracket couldn't care less.
Throughout this election season, the University and The Beacon will provide election coverage that asserts a strong and student-centered answer to the question, "Why should I vote?"
The act of voting remains the single most important political act a citizen can do in the United States. Not voting is like buying tickets for your favorite band and then not going to the show. There is inherent value in voting, especially when we're the ones with the most at stake.
The most common reason young people give for not voting is ignorance. To that problem, the University has an answer. VOTE UP is making it incredibly convenient to learn about a variety of issues by inviting guest speakers to campus and hosting viewing parties for presidential and vice presidential debates. The Beacon encourages everyone to attend these VOTE UP events, so there is no reason to say, "I'm not informed enough to vote," or "You don't want me voting this election."
Once you get educated, the next step is to make sure you're registered to vote. You can register in Oregon online at oregonvotes.org or stop by The Commons during lunch or dinner hours to register in-person starting Sept. 17.
Students who have not voted before will especially value the VOTE UP events. They are designed to catch students up to speed on issues such as immigration, the economy, foreign policy and health care so you can come to your own conclusion on whether Barack Obama or Mitt Romney has better ideas for our nation.
In Portland, voters will also select a new mayor: Jefferson Smith or Charlie Hales. In many ways, this selection will have more specific effects on UP, especially because the University has ambitious plans to expand on the River Campus.
As New York Times reporter Mark Leibovich will likely remind us during the first VOTE UP event Tuesday at 7 p.m. in The Commons, one of most important things voters can do when deciding which candidate represents their values best is to separate fact from fiction amidst an onslaught of misleading statements and shock-and-awe TV ads.
Whatever your political persuasion, there are myriad issues that should convince you to vote: the economy, foreign policy, healthcare, student loans, gay marriage, abortion and others.
This is just a sampling of issues that affect students in a real way. By voting in this year's election, you agree to participate in the next phase of the American experience, proving you care about the decisions the government makes on your behalf. The Beacon hopes to see you at VOTE UP so we can experience this historic election together.
