Staff Editorial: Students must face duty to vote

In recent weeks, this editorial page has presented a number of ways that the University and our nation's leaders can help our generation engage in the political process. However, as this year's run of The Summer Pennsylvanian comes to a close, let us make one final point clear: our generation's voting behavior is ultimately the responsibility of our generation.

First and foremost, if you are an American citizen and will be 18 years of age by Election Day, register to vote today and carry out that most basic duty of citizenship on November 2. Our ability to shape our government's policies and accordingly our future is the blessing democracy bestows upon us, and to discard that opportunity is to spit in the faces of all those who live without this most basic freedom.

However, we must not only vote, but make our choices informed ones. During the past few days, the Democrats have nationally showcased their policies and values at their convention in Boston, culminating tonight with John Kerry's acceptance of the Democratic nomination for president. The Republicans will do the same in New York at the end of August. Watch these conventions' speeches, read the news, and generally inform yourself so that when you cast your vote, your statement is sure and proud.

And still, this is also not enough, for our generation's civic responsibility lies not just to ourselves individually but to ourselves collectively. That 537 votes decided the presidency in 2000 makes clear that yes, your vote does matter. But even if you have been convinced of this now undeniable fact, your job is not done, for plenty of our peers still need convincing.

Our generation cannot afford to fall victim to a cynicism sneeringly says, "Your vote doesn't matter; you cannot make a difference." As politicians embrace the politics of hope, we must do so too. This requires some time, some effort, and much faith in our American brethren. It requires us to reach out to non-voters. It requires us to change minds. But most of all, it requires us, both in word and in deed, to defy the cynics and proclaim together, "Yes, we can."

If we succeed, we will fulfill a fuller ideal of citizenship, and in that, ensure that the American government remains of, by, and for our generation and the same for generations to come.

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