Over the course of this semester, the NMU College Democrats registered 1,356 new voters on campus. Those new voters – combined with others from the area and across the country – could swing this election; an election that comes at a pivotal time, as America is at both a political and economic crossroads.
According to the Marquette County Clerk’s office, there are 49,920 registered voters in the county. That number is 2,100 higher than just three months ago.
The state of Michigan hasn’t released official numbers for October yet, but as of July, there were 7.24 million registered voters in the state. The expectation is for the final number to be substantially higher than that – and, in turn, quite a bit higher than the 7.1 million who were registered in 2004. That year’s presidential election also saw the highest voter turnout in 38 years in Michigan, as well as the country.
In 2004, 68 percent of registered Michigan voters actually cast a ballot. While that number may seem low, it is actually up 10 percentage points from eight years previous.
But it quickly becomes clear that registering is not enough. That’s where you, the voter, come in.
When voters really decide to take charge of their power, something very important begins to happen: Americans gain more control over their government. And with everything seemingly going to hell, what better time to decide a new leader for the country.
In the last two months, The DOW has suffered five of its 10 largest net losses in history. Everyone – politicians, blue-collar workers and, yes, even college students – has been affected. With national debates raging on every topic from foreign policy to the economy, there has seldom been a more turbulent time in American history, or a greater need for leadership.
The chance to appoint that leadership is yours. Registration was the hard part. The only thing left to do – other than taking the time to craft an informed opinion – is to cast a vote on Nov. 4. If you’re registered locally, polling stations will be at the Marquette Armory on Lincoln Avenue and in the gym on Baraga Avenue. And if you need to get an absentee ballot, it’s not that tough. Call your local town clerk.
Election Day is less than three weeks from now and the outcome will likely change all of our lives. It could spell the difference between retiring early or working in a fast food restaurant for the rest of your life. So take the power you’ve been given as an American and actually use it.
