The election is all we Americans hear about. Though most of us have already established what party we are or who we will vote for, what about those of us for whom this is our first election? We don't know what we stand for or what the parties represent.
As a first time voter, having no political background at all, I have to ask myself what the qualities are that really matter to me in a leader. For someone in their early 20s, the principles these men stand for might not directly pertain to us today, which for a lot of people our age is the reason we don't bother to vote or don't see the importance.
We are often told to think about our children and grandchildren when the topic of elections and politics is brought up; however, this election isn't for that far in advance. As college students, we should approach it a little differently.
Instead of being told it will affect our retirement or pension, which to us seems a lifetime away, we should think of five years down the road. Think of the job we are working ever so hard to attain so we can pay for the education getting us there. What if voting for the wrong person means we won't make enough to pay our loans, or get that house to start a family? Ask yourself how it would affect your life to not be able to be taken care of medically if something happened to you.
We are all aware this is a major election for our country. That is why it is even more important for everyone to vote. Even though the candidates might not debate the things that will change your life today, stop and ask yourself about the things that will. You will be happy you did.
Every vote counts.
Danielle Wirtes of Westville is a student at Purdue University North Central. The opinion expressed in this column is the writer's and not necessarily that of The Times.
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