Students need to take own voting responsibility

The last day to register to vote in California’s March 2 primary is Monday. If you are a democrat, this is your chance to have your say on who you want to go up against President Bush in November.

At least that’s what one might gather this election’s all about from watching national news. But the March 2 election carries more impact on California students and residents than one might know. It is the students’ responsibility to vote on the future of their education and the future of California.

Along with choosing the next presidential candidates, voters will be choosing whether to approve or disapprove several propositions. For stude

nts who are either just starting their college experience, as well as those who will be finding their place in California’s economy after graduation this May, these propositions should be of some concern. The first major proposition on March’s ballot is 57. Approving Proposition 57 means the sale of $15 billion of bonds intended to recover from the existing debt. This should hold more interest to the student voter who plans on making their way to success in California.

Proposition 57’s authors say it will consolidate California’s debt, which has accumulated after three years of overspending. Opponents say it will only postpone the debt and mean more taxes in the future.

It is true that this proposition has two sides—on the one hand, taxpayers will be repaying the bond in years to come, but on the other hand, if the California leaders use the money right, it could lead to economic recovery in this state and repaying the bond won’t be such a big load on taxpayers. It’s up to you to decide and determine the way California will go.

The second major proposition, 55, has the biggest impact on those who will be students in the years to come. The state legislature wants to sell $12.3 billion in bonds to fund improvements in California’s school system in the form of facility improvements from public kindergartens to colleges.

The weight of repaying the bonds will rest on the state’s general budget to the tune of more than $800 million per year. All told, when the bond and interest is paid up, it will cost taxpayers $24.7 billion.

Numbers aside, 55’s backers say it will better California’s educational system and “improve student learning.” Fresno State officials say it will fund a new renovation and expansion of the Henry Madden Library.

It might do just this, but on the other hand, how much can we trust the government to make sure funds allocated for education actually get there? As a student, it is your responsibility to determine the future of your own school system.

The last day to register to vote is Monday. If you aren’t registered to vote, go to the post office or library and register. If you can’t find one of these, go to the top floor of the University Student Union, room 316 to the Associated Students office where you will be able to register.

Students are notorious for not voting, a fact that gives them a bad image in society. This is the students’ own fault. Take control, be a responsible citizen, register to vote, educate yourself and vote March 2.

— Responses to this editorial can be sent to collegian@csufresno.edu