How do you measure the value of your degree? In the number of hours spent studying in the library? Is it measured in the likelihood that you will be able to get a job upon graduation?
How do you measure the value of your vote? In the number of percentage points between your vote and the other side’s? In whether or not your views are represented by officials?
Have you stopped to think how your vote directly affects the value of your degree?
The fact of the matter is that college-aged people (18 to 24 years old) simply do not turnout on Election Day, unlike other demographics. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2008, 49 percent of voters 18 to 24 showed up at the polls. The same year, 69 percent of voters 45 to 60 years old and 70 percent of voters 65 and older reported going to the polls.
What are the issues that dominate each election cycle? The issues which are most important to the age groups that show up – not higher education.
When we do not vote, we send the message that it is acceptable to disinvest in higher education, which hurts the value of your degree.
Associated Students, Inc., is committed to increasing voter registration, education and mobilization, so that we can send a clear message that we value higher education.
To accomplish this task, ASI has worked with student organizations on a voter registration campaign and partnered with CALPIRG to provide students with an online option to register to vote (link will be provided).
ASI and other community groups will also be in the Free Speech Area this Tuesday, Sept. 25, for National Voter Registration Day.
We are providing students with another opportunity to register.
We have also secured a polling place on campus on Election Day, Nov. 6. Open from 7am to 8pm, this polling place is only open to voters registered in this precinct to cast their votes.
If you are registered at home or anywhere outside the precinct, you cannot use this polling place. You may either re-register at Fresno State or apply for an absentee ballot, which can be done with a voter registration form.
If you are want to register to vote, change your name or address want to apply for an absentee ballot, or you want to change your party affiliation, voter registration cards are available in the ASI Office, USU 316.
The value of your degree is at stake this year. Simply registering to vote is not enough. You must get out and vote on Nov. 6.
Neglecting your duty to vote would have a greater negative impact on the state of higher education and the value of your degree than any yes or no vote.