EDITORIAL: Do your part, get registered to vote
Michigan's general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6. The final deadline to be registered to vote in order to be able to vote is Oct. 9. That means if you want to vote and you're not registered, you have less than 20 days to do so.
This November, you have the opportunity to choose who will become the new political leaders of Michigan. Until the next election, it will be the people elected into office in November who decide all of the most important decisions that will have an impact on everyone in Michigan.
The race for Michigan's governor consists of two very strong candidates-- democrat Gretchen Whitmer and republican Bill Schuette. With such equally influential candidates on both sides, it's hard to predict who could be Michigan's next governor. That's why it's so important that as many people vote as possible, because every single vote counts.
If you care about hundreds of thousands of Michiganders not having healthcare, then you need to vote in this election. If you think Michigan needs a better education system, then you need to vote in this election. If you think recreational marijuana should be legalized in Michigan, then you need to vote in this election.
For the first time ever, the proposal to legalize recreational marijuana will be on Michigan's November ballot. If it's passed, Michigan will be one of only ten states to legalize recreational marijuana for those older than 21.
By registering to vote and voting in the November election, you have the opportunity to help Michigan make history. Not only that, but you'll help one of the two strong gubernatorial candidates get into office and make real change in our state.
Thankfully, on Central Michigan University's campus, opportunities to register are not in short supply. The Mobile Secretary of State was on campus Sept. 10, which made it convenient for students to register quickly. Representatives from NextGen America, a social movement organization who is passionate about encouraging young people have been on campus nearly everyday, registering students to vote.
CMU is actively trying to make it easier for their students to vote this year.
On Sept. 11, the Academic Senate voted on and passed the Campus Vote Project Resolution, which was proposed by the Campus Vote Coalition. The resolution encourages faculty members to excuse student absences on election days so students are able to participate in elections without being penalized. It also encourages faculty members to avoid scheduling any major presentations, exams or in-class projects on election days.
The major reason behind the resolution is because the university knows it can be difficult for students to vote. A lot students are registered in their hometowns which could be very far away from campus and the Secretary of State requires that people who don't register to vote in person have to vote in person their first election.
There are endless resources to make it easier for students to get civically engaged and involved in the community. Take advantage of it! Register to vote and make your voice heard.
