Today’s the day to have your voice heard and your vote count.Elections for the Government of the Student Body have begun, and decisions about a fare-free Cy-Ride, specialty seats on the GSB senate and future tuition rates all hang in the balance.But these issues will only have a real impact if you decide to take the first step and vote, a step which has been made easier than ever with a new online voting system over AccessPlus.How much time do you think the average ISU student spends checking e-mail or talking to friends over Instant Messenger? In only 15 minutes, you can research the GSB candidates by checking out their profiles on the Daily Web site, www.iowastatedaily.com. In an effort to make voting even less painful for students, the profiles are directly linked to the voting site, www.vote.iastate.edu.A ridiculously small amount of ISU students make the effort to vote in the GSB elections, such a small number that every vote cast is that much more influential. In some senate races, one vote can be the deciding factor. This is one election where your vote will truly count and be recognized.So take 15 minutes out of you IM time today to research and vote for the candidates you want to lead the student body next year. You have no excuse not to.

editorialboard: Carrie Tett, Jocelyn

Marcus, Katie Goldsmith, Andrea Hauser and Tim Paluch