We’ve passed Labor Day weekend and it’s an even year. That can only mean one thing: It’s the official start of the hard-core campaigning of politicians that we so thoroughly enjoy. The TV ads are already out, the pre-recorded phone messages are being dialed and the candidate literature is already in the mail. It’s just going to increase before November 5th. But this year is different. Now we know that every vote counts; just as long as it’s a clear concise vote and there are no “hanging” or “pregnant” votes.

We had been told in the past that every vote counted. I’m sure your government teacher told you that in high school and you didn’t believe it.

To be honest with you, I didn’t believe it either. Now we know it’s a fact because of the “Presidential limbo” Florida had the nation in during the 2000 election.

So now that you know that your vote counts go out and do it. It’s not that hard; it’s not like giving blood or taking a final in Physics 222. It’s easy. In fact, it’s so easy, you don’t even have to go to the polls and wait in line any more.

Just go online to the Iowa Secretary of State’s Web site, www.sos.state.ia.us, and download an absentee ballot request form. Print it off, fill it out and send it away to your home county (assuming you live in Iowa). In a short amount of time you’ll receive an absentee ballot form. Fill that out and send it in. See? Quick. Painless. And you’ve done your civic duty for the next two years, that is, unless jury duty rolls around. If you’re not from Iowa, vote in your home state. I’m sure you can request an absentee ballot from their Web site as well. If you’re not from this country, encourage your friends

to vote. Their votes affect us all, even you. Even though this isn’t a presidential election, it is an important one – in fact, it might be more important. State government affects us just as directly as the national government does. So just do it. Just vote.

If you want a right to complain about the government . vote. If you didn’t vote, you have no right to complain about how things are. I know plenty of people who complain about the way things are going, but don’t vote because it’s too inconvenient. How can it be any more convenient? Voting is almost easier than shopping online – almost. And it doesn’t cost a penny. Well, maybe the cost of a stamp, but that’s not a lot compared to the input you will be having in the government.

This year the races are closer than ever. And your input counts. All across Iowa seats are being fought over. This is an incredibly close race for Terrace Hill. The race for governor between Tom Vilsack and Doug Gross is closer than students crammed on the Cy-Ride orange route when there is a 100-below wind chill outside. Are you tired of the way things have been run in our state the past four years? Vote for Gross! Do something about it!

President Bush has made his presence aware in the state campaigning for many of the Republican candidates who are attempting to get into the system. According to the Des Moines Register, he has only been in Pennsylvania (a state he lost in 2000) and Florida (where he won by the width of a needle) more than he has been in Iowa. In a comparison, Bush has been in the state seven times in his two years as president; Bill Clinton only made nine trips in his eight years in the office. Think about it.

I don’t think I can stress this enough: go and vote. It’s easier than ever. Take responsibility for your government. Voting is a right; you’ve earned it. Just do it. Then you have a right to complain about the elected officials or rejoice that you’ve made the right choice. You can make the difference.

Sarah Bolton is a senior in English from Glidden.