Why Should College Students Vote?

If the Florida debacle in the 2000 election taught us anything, it should be that every vote counts. The range of votes between presidential candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush in that state was--by some counts--fewer than 1,000. Similarly, we can look at the 2008 election as proof that a candidate can overcome enormous odds if he can energize a base of voters that don't often come out to the polls. Here's why college students--an oft-overlooked demographic--should exercise their right to vote.

Benefits

If you've paid close attention to every election (with the exception of Barack Obama's successful 2008 run), you'll notice a disturbing trend in American politics: Campaigns summarily discount young people. This is because studies have shown that these voters--college students, often--may shout the loudest, blog the most and argue the hardest, but when it comes to Election Day, they are much less likely to actually cast a vote. By changing this trend, college students can also change the landscape of not only election results, but the topics that campaigns focus on.

Significance

Some of the biggest issues facing the nation directly affect college-age Americans. For example, the war in Iraq involves young people going to fight for our country. If you believe, for example, that your friends and peers should not be in foreign countries fighting wars that have unclear objectives, the polling place is your forum to speak your mind. Education, employment and issues about abortion are just a few other hot-button issues that affect young people. Additionally, the economy directly affects a college student's abilities to get a good job after graduation.

Expert Insight

In addition to enjoying your democracy and exercising your rights, you can learn important aspects of American law and process through voting. Voting, and paying attention in the lead-up to a campaign, inspires you to think deeply and clarify your feelings about the important issues of the day.

Effects

Consider how a democracy works. In a country like America, the majority elects its representatives. We currently work under the Electoral College system, in which a vote for president is actually a vote for your state's appointed "elector" for that ticket. This elector has pledged to vote for a particular candidate. (Though so-called faithless electors--electors who vote contrary to their pledge--have existed, none have ever changed the outcome of a national election.) Whether voting for an elector or for the president directly, the voice of the people is not heard evenly if a particular demographic abstains from voting. College-age voters can change the makeup of the voting percentages and ensure their voices do not go unheard.

Warning

It's worth noting the confusion concerning the voting rights of the youth segment of the population. Many federal and state laws are contradictory and unclear on many points, including on whether students should vote in their hometown, or the town where their college is located. Because of this ambiguity, many communities vary in how they handle voting for college-age citizens. Some legal research has determined that no community has the authority to prevent students from voting in their college town, but this knowledge may do little good when you get turned away from a polling place. While we wait for laws to become clearer on this subject, do your research ahead of Election Day so you know where your vote will count.