With the election drawing nearer

It’s the campaign that now seems to be unending-the 2008 presidential campaign. Its coverage has been ever present for nearly two years. But now with the election drawing nearer, perhaps the greatest issue facing university students across the nation is a simple two-step process.

First, registering to vote. Second, remembering to vote.

In my household, the privilege of voting was also considered a responsibility. I remember my envy during the 2000 election when my oldest brother voted. Those same feelings flooded back in 2002 when my both of my brothers voted. Finally, in 2004, I had my chance, and what a privilege it was. I have voted in every election since, primary and general.

Now, I haven’t always been on top of requesting my absentee ballot on time, which has caused me on more than one occasion to drive 75 miles from Lincoln to my home south of Columbus just to vote.  To me, it was a small price to pay for the most powerful exercise in democracy.

With just about a month before the nation heads for the polls, the time for students to follow the two afore-mentioned steps is running low.

The deadline to register in Nebraska by mail is Friday, Oct. 17. If you haven’t yet registered for Nebraska, click here. It’s simple. Fill out the form and mail it in.

The next step is hard to forget if you are planning to vote at the polls on the day of the election. Few people will be able to escape the attention given to the election on Nov. 4. Just be sure to turn on a TV, read a newspaper or talk to another human that day, and you’ll remember

However, if like me, you are unable to go to the polls on the day itself, registering for an absentee ballot becomes the next important deadline. You must request an absentee ballot from your county clerk. In Nebraska, the deadline is Oct. 27. Click here for a copy of the form needed to request an absentee ballot. You must have it postmarked by Nov. 3.

Pundits tout the 2008 election as one of the most important in our lifetime. For many college students, it’s the first presidential election in which they’ve been eligible to vote. Regardless of the outcome, the greatest loss our nation will face that day are the unheard voices-the voices of those who don’t vote.

Don’t let your voice go unheard.