Those with political opinions should take the time to vote

Editor,

I'm tired of college students telling me it's a waste of time to vote. Don't they know voting is the basis of democracy? Countless lives were lost so we could have this right. So many people I talk to either believe we should leave Iraq or that it's a good thing we're there, either because they think introducing their culture of democracy is important or for numerous other reasons surely everyone reading this has heard.

But a majority of these same people I talk to don't make the trip to the polls as they should every other November. Making your mark on that ballot ensures you get a voice in what our government does. And I know most people out there do care about what our government does, because I overhear a lot of conversations about it just walking through the SUB on any given day.

So I urge anyone who reads this letter to register to vote as soon as possible, if they haven't already done so. You can register by printing out a form online at RockTheVote.com or by going to the County Clerk's Office and filling out the form in person. Then, please go and actually vote next year. It's our duty as free citizens of this country to vote, and I ask everyone to be responsible citizens by doing so.

Jesse Deschamp

UNM student