Register to vote before it’s too late

Election Day in the United States is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. This year, that day is Nov. 4, which is less than 50 days from today.

This year is significant because it is a midterm election, meaning you will have the opportunity to vote in a new congressional representative for a two-year term, or re-elect your current one. For Nebraskans, you also have the opportunity to elect a new Senator to a six-year term. Elections for local officials will also commence, and if you feel that your voice will be drowned out in the din of national politics, you can at least you can have a  say on the issues nearest to you.

Voting is your civic duty; you have the freedom to vote for whomever you want, (even fictional characters), and it is important that you exercise that freedom.

This nation gives you the right to participate in your government, but without your vote, politicians who might not represent your values or advocate for your needs are given the power to make policies that are against your wishes.

Voting impacts every major concern you can think of; from religion and abortion; to wars, taxation, and spending; all of these intersect with politics, and the people we elect make decisions concerning these issues that affect our every day lives.

It would be unwise to let someone else have that much control over you, when you have the power to voice your opinion through your vote.

If you are not already registered to vote, we highly recommend you do, because many states have deadlines that you need to have your registration mailed in by. Check with your home state’s official election website for more information about how to register and obtain your absentee ballot.

One goal of a college education is to mold you into a responsible and productive member of society, but you don’t have to wait until you have your diploma to practice that responsibility.

In this case, doing your duty for your country and community is as easy as checking a box on a ballot.