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Election Day Tuesday
By Drew Sandholm
A number of SCSU students will vote Tuesday in the state general Election Day.
With so many issues at the forefront, including a possible war and increasing unemployment rates, voters hold the power to change their communities and make a difference.
Voters will determine our next U.S. senator and representatives, Minnesota senators, representatives, Minnesota governor and other local offices.
Issues such as abortion, tax increases, and health care will be tackled by the elected politicians after Election Day.
Those who vote will indirectly determine the solutions to these societal, political and community problems.
Any U.S. citizen at least 18 years of age and who has not been convicted of any felonies is eligible to vote.
There are a variety of places SCSU community . SCSU students who live in the residence halls will be voting in Atwood Memorial Center. Students who live off campus are able to vote at the designated polling places around the area.
Those who live between SCSU and Ninth Avenue are members of the second precinct and will vote at the Boys and Girls Club.
Voting at Magnificent Church will be students who live just south of campus in the third precinct. Generally, students north of campus vote at the St. Cloud City Hall.
To determine the designated polling site for a particular area, visit www.sos.state.mn.us or call the St. Cloud City Clerk's Office at (320)-255-7210. Most polling sites open at 10 a.m. and all will close at 8 p.m. tomorrow night.
Upon arrival at the designated polling institution, voters are need to register if they have not already done so. One must first fill out a voter registration card. Registration simply confirms that you are on the official list of voters and requires verification of residence. To verify residence, one must bring any of the following: Minnesota Driver's License or SCSU ID; registration or billing statement with current address along with photo ID; someone who is a registered voter and can vouch for verification of residence.
As a democratic nation, Americans value their right to vote. Very few nations invite their citizens to choose their leaders and ultimately sway the decision making process. It is important to take advantage of this unique opportunity and become a practicing citizen.
"Motivations for voting is that you want to have a say in the government issues that affect them," said Greg Enghahl, city clerk of St. Cloud. "If (students) could coordinate their votes, they could have a major impact on an outcome of an election."
State-wide, and around the St. Cloud area, voter turn out is expected to be very good. Peak interest in current elections should catalyze this anticipated turn out. Unfortunately, student populations tend not to vote. However, many students appreciate their right to vote and intend to take advantage of it.
"I plan on voting because a lot of our people died just to get the right to vote," said Monchel Charp, second year student and biomedical science major. "Besides, it's fun; it's fun to vote. You can be a part of America that doesn't really know you, but when you put your vote in, you got something."
Some SCSU students are planning not to vote.
"I don't think it's necessary for me to vote because I don't care," said Kari Karaska, second year student and business major.
Although some people don't vote because they "just don't care," it seems students who do not vote make that decision because they lack the information needed to make an educated casting. Absence of this knowledge prompts students to avoid voting on Election Day.
"I'm not going to vote," Lindsay Dvorscek, first year student and business major. "I don't think I know enough about the candidates to make an educated decision."
Information is readily available for students who do not feel they know enough about political candidates or the election process. An informational booth will be set up at the AMC today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to explain these processes.
As American citizens, we sometimes take advantage of the rights awarded to us. Many feel our ability to vote is what makes our nation great. Whether or not a person votes is their decision, but the consequences of that action must be realized.
"By not voting, you forfeit your right to complain," said Enghahl. "If you don't vote, you can't complain about how laws are established."
Information about the major political parties and their candidates can be found at the following: Republican Party: www.mngop.com; Democratic Party: www.dfl.com; Independence Party: www.mnip.org; Green Party: www.mngreens.org.
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