As a member of SGA, a team of students and I decided to survey campus on how well students knew about the current polling locations in the city. The results were staggering. Eighty percent of students do not know where the polling locations are and 80 percent of on-campus students would support an on-campus polling location to vote in local, state and federal elections.

The poll indicates that the ignorance of students is not to blame. A lack of transparency and education results in an inability for students to participate in their constitutional right to vote.

To act, the team including myself, SGA students and faculty, worked with the city to establish polling locations for students on campus. Legislation passed through SGA and RHA in support of a wide reconstruction of voter access.

However, the city of Mount Pleasant lacks faith in the students of CMU.

Their concerns are valid. It is shown nationally that voter turnout for students is disgracefully low. However, maybe the problem is not student apathy, but a systematic level of oppression by those in power to make sure students do not know where to vote.

I am not accusing the Mount Pleasant government of such behavior, however.

I believe their intentions are good. An on-campus location would cost money and cause confusion for students and non-students. But in defining moments, confusion precedes clarity. This is a defining moment.

As of now, two locations for students stand: One at Vowles Elementary and the other at Fancher school. It is a disgrace that a school-wide survey showed the overwhelming majority of students do not know this. It's the city's responsibility to ensure citizens stay informed.

If the city wants students to vote, why is there such dissonance between the students and the city?

Students are tax-paying residents. State law dictates that when an individual is in a location for six months, they become citizens of that area. So why is this right-oriented opportunity being turned away? The question goes unanswered.

The question now is how can students be educated on this issue? History has shown that when the youth organize, things progress. It is time now, to organize and motivate the vote.

Events like concerts promoting registration and education is one way. Speaking to residence halls is another. But one thing is certain: To be recognized, we as students must join together regardless of political affiliation and show that our voices will be heard and we can shake the foundation of what is normal.

Let us show the city that students care about vital issues. Let us show the city that we have a civil and moral right to be heard through easily attainable votes. Let us show that together, CMU students can accomplish mighty feats, just as we have done in the past.

Our time as students is now. Let us act together as one unified body for our declared human rights. Voting brings on change – let us bring progress to the city and show that we as students will go down the right side of history. Let us show those in power what we can do when we band together and fight for our rights.