As a student who is heavily involved in politics, especially locally, the upcoming City Council election is important to me. Students are often overlooked as members of the voting population, but the notion that students on this campus are disengaged is blatantly false.

For me and many of my classmates, two candidates have gone above and beyond in the effort to reach out to students: Victoria Szopinski and Anne Kinzel.

Szopinski took the initiative to obtain student input on the Kingland project, went to student government meetings and welcomed us into her campaign. She shares our concerns about housing, safety and the future of Campustown.

Alexandria Harvey, student liaison to the City Council, said: “Victoria has made every effort to make me feel welcome on council, and always makes sure student’s opinions are heard.”

For the at-large position, Kinzel’s campaign has been highly accessible to students. Like Szopinski, she shares our concerns and listens to students. Not only has Kinzel distributed her personal phone number to all looking to get involved with her campaign, she also invited us into her home, making us feel included in the Ames community.

We want to elect candidates who engage us, who care about our concerns, and who listen to us. Students, at more than 31,000 strong, have a powerful voice in this city and we must be heard.

Get informed, find your polling location, and vote. Don’t let your right to participate in the democratic process go to waste, take advantage and get involved.