Attention, students: Today would have marked the first day of the Student Government election cycle.

However, the date has been pushed back an additional week to allow for students to have more time to submit statements of intent and prepare their campaign, in part due to a change in election commissioner, bad weather and a canceled information session.

Even so, this is not the first time this year that the deadlines have been pushed back. The original deadline for executive slates to declare their intent to run was Jan. 18 — a date that has now been pushed back three times to eventually fall on Feb. 11.

So what does this all mean? You have more time to run for Student Government yourself, and more time to prepare to get to know your candidates.

What Student Government does affects you, even if you have never once interacted with a senator or cabinet member.

How so? If you are in a college, you have a senator. If you live on campus or off campus, you have a senator. If you are in a club or organization that requires funding, you’ve most likely requested it from the Senate.

If you have never interacted with your senator, or if you are unsure who they are, that is on the both of you. Student Government is required to reach out to constituents when considering issues, but it is an impossible task to hear the perspective of everyone.

Pay attention to what’s happening on campus and reach out when you feel that something isn’t right, or could be improved. Better yet, get involved yourself and be a part of the change that you’d like to see at Iowa State.

If the time commitment is overwhelming, at least take the time to find out who is running. The Daily will provide information on each candidate running for senator, as well as in-depth coverage of the executive slates.

Two years ago, the Student Government elections had a turnout of nearly 25 percent. Last year, the number decreased to 17.8 percent when considering spring enrollment numbers — a difference of 6.2 percent. Iowa State, we cannot continue this trend.

We are the first in the nation to caucus in the presidential election, which means we carry a heavy responsibility to be civically engaged and involved with the issues plaguing our nation. Carry this responsibility into your campus engagement.

While it is not opportune that the election cycle has been pushed back, use this as a chance to make your voice heard on campus and learn how you can get involved — the ISD Editorial Board hopes to see your name listed as a candidate next Monday, as well as your vote in March.