In response to the Daily’s Oct. 15 editorial “If you don’t know, don’t go,” I agree that it’s very important to “stress the importance of being an educated voter.”

However, I also believe that it’s just as important to stress get-out-the-vote efforts. As long as students are registered to vote by Iowa’s Oct. 25 deadline, there is plenty of time to become educated about the candidates in local and statewide races. Right now, we need to make sure that everyone has a chance to become registered to vote.

As Iowa State’s daily newspaper, I wonder why you chose to discourage active participation in the upcoming election.

If we are to build an inclusive environment, where all voices are heard, we should encourage and support students to become registered to vote while educating them about important issues that affect their lives.

This support has been offered by the non-partisan Youth Vote Coalition and our coalition members like GSB, the greek community and with the major political groups on campus helping to register and educate ISU students. We believe our actions and our coalition-building will provide an opportunity for ISU students to voice their opinion on November 5, 2002.

There are plenty of upcoming opportunities for ISU students to learn about the candidates.

On Wednesday, Oct. 23 Youth Vote will present a video debate watch and discussion featuring Rep. Tom Latham (Republican) and John Norris’s (Democrat) joint appearance on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press.” Join us in 309 Catt Hall at 7 p.m. for this opportunity to listen to the candidates for U.S. House District 4.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, Youth Vote will present an opportunity for students to become familiar with the candidates and their positions as we host informational tables outside of Parks Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Student leaders from ISU Republicans, ISU Democrats, ISU Libertarians and the Story County Greens will be available to answer students’ questions. Youth Vote will also be available to register students on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.

Let’s encourage students to go and vote this election season. It’s important that all students participate and make their voice heard. Remember, to vote you must be registered by Oct. 25.

A simple and easy way to register is to visit Youth Vote’s table outside of Parks Library on Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can also learn about the candidates from Story County Greens, ISU Libertarians, ISU Democrats and ISU Republicans and enjoy hot chocolate.

Hannah Schoenthal-Muse

Youth Vote Coalition Intern

Junior

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Justin Wier

Youth Vote Coalition Intern

Graduate Student

Higher Education