Be informed. A call has been made to our generation, and that call is to be informed and vote. I’ve had the opportunity to learn this lesson firsthand by taking a course taught by Dr. Bob Beatty, titled Contemporary American Politics. Through this course I’ve traveled to Iowa with my group of classmates and followed John Edward’s campaign trail.

Long-term issues such as health care, the war in Iraq and education are important in the 2008 election and will provide building blocks for the American society we will experience in 15 years. So this election belongs to us, the youth, the generation looking toward tomorrow, and we need to be informed.

Rock the Vote statistics show that as of November 2007 77 percent of young adults, age 18-29, have watched a 2008 election presidential debate. Presidential nominees are reaching out to our audience by using media avenues such as YouTube, MySpace and Facebook, making it easy for young adults to be educated about their candidates. Both the Democrat and Republican parties often hold debates to update voters about their candidates.

It’s our personal responsibility as the leaders of tomorrow to take action in the building of a better American society. The only way we can do this is by choosing the best presidential candidate for our nation. Here are a few easy ways you can help build a better tomorrow:

1. Register to vote at RocktheVote.com or DeclareYourself.com.

2. Watch a presidential debate.

3. Visit a presidential candidate’s Face-book or MySpace site or find information at VoteUSA.org.

4. Show up Nov. 4, 2008 and VOTE!

Elise ShortWashburn Student