You may have noticed that today is Election Day. Many of you will be involved in related activities, on your own or as part of a political group. Many of you already know which candidate you favor. But no matter what issues matter to you, if you are registered, you must vote today.
This has been described by both sides as the most important election in decades. There's a chance it may be the most important election of our lifetimes.
If you do not know where to vote, see our chart on the front page. When you go to the polls, bring your PennCard as proof of identity, which is necessary if this is your first time voting in Pennsylvania. It's the most effective form of identification, as it proves that you are a Penn student and therefore eligible to vote in Pennsylvania (the flyers that have been circulated claiming otherwise are abhorrently false). If you are still denied, request a provisional ballot and declare your intentions so that the city can check your registration status later. If you feel you are unfairly prevented from voting, immediately contact the voter hotline at 1-866-MYVOTE1.
If indecision is what is keeping you from the polls, we strongly encourage you to make a choice. While it has become quite fashionable to snidely comment on the similarities between the two main candidates, most notably their common Yale University background, the fact remains that these men hold very different visions of the world and differ on issues that matter to college students. On abortion, their differences couldn't be more evident; simply put, Bush prioritizes life and Kerry prioritizes choice. The candidates also have different views on the USA PATRIOT Act, tax cuts and foreign policy. While politics can feel distant at times, the outcome of this election will affect you. Make your decision and vote.
If you are ineligible to vote, due to age, foreign citizenship or a felony record, you can still be involved. Harass your friends until they go to the polls. This is no time for subtlety; you have the rest of your lives to make nice. This is a time for action.
Never forget that, while voting is a right to us, it is considered a privilege by many, and an unattainable dream by the majority of the world's population. If you forfeit this right today, you also forfeit your right to comment on the political processes of the next four years. Voluntarily denying yourself a right for which millions have died may feel like a "statement," but it is, in the end, merely ineffective and cowardly.
Vote.
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