College students should exercise their inalienable right to vote

In 1848, 68 women and 32 men debated and eventually signed a Declaration of Sentiments in what became the first women’s rights convention, held in Seneca Falls, N.Y. The women’s (and men’s) grievances? That women were governed without representation. Sound familiar? It should – the women based their Declaration of Sentiments on the U.S.’s Declaration of Independence.

The first five “grievances” posted against those “oppressing” women all deal with representation in government. The first and most important of those is: “He (men, the government) has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise.”

Females, your right to vote exists because 68 women and 32 men spent two days, and then decades upon end fighting for you to be able to approach a polling place on a national, regional, or local election day, and cast your voice – ultimately giving you a voice in the body which governs you.

Males, you have always had this privilege. And some of your ancestors even stood next to women and supported their cause – thus obviously recognizing the importance of being able to have a say in one’s governance – over the decades up to this very day.

Use this privilege! In 1998, a mere 43.6 percent of Americans ages 18-24 were registered to vote. Only 18.5 percent of those registered voters actually turned out to the voting precincts and cast their vote. In 2000, the electorate votes of Florida decided the outcome of the most widely contested election in history. One vote – your vote – counts.

Recognize the privilege you have, and use it. Rise up, and give voice to college- age students. We have a unique perspective of our world, and we have the responsibility of sharing that perspective with the world around us.

Exercise your right! Contact your local courthouse or voter registration representative (one phone call, I promise), and find out how to get an absentee ballot. Or skip school on November 2 and drive home in order to make your voice heard.

Those who have the right to vote, yet cast no vote, have no ground whatsoever to criticize the leadership that is elected. Research the issues at hand in this election, and the stance of those running for the opportunity to run this home of the brave. Exercise your right and make your voice heard!

Amy Keith
News Editor
The Colonnade

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 10 2004. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry