College students.

We’re the future of our country, not to mention the future of the state of Iowa.

In the upcoming decades, the success and failure of our state will rest on our shoulders. Prosperity, educating our children, employment rates — it’s all up to us to continue Iowa’s growth and prosperity.

So what are we going to do about it?

Absolutely nothing, if the vast majority of Iowa State students have their way.

The Iowa primary elections are today. The citizens of Iowa will head to the polls, casting their ballots, determining the future leadership of the state.

But if this past year is any indication, ISU students will sit at home, ignoring the issues in apathetic laziness.

Take the Government of the Student Body elections this spring, for example. Only 2,714 students turned out to vote for president of the student body. Over 22,000 students didn’t care enough about who would represent them to simply stop by the Union for a five minute vote.

This is just plain ridiculous.

Yes, many students are too busy to pay much attention to the seemingly never-ending stream of state politics. And yes, many students don’t believe their vote will make much difference in a political world of special interests and professional politicos.

But these students are wrong.

State elections are your chance to truly influence the government that directly impacts you. If you don’t vote, you have no excuse to complain about the issues that affect you. And they do affect you — from your pocketbook to your education, the people in power influence your lives.

Get out and vote tomorrow. You don’t have to declare a Republican or Democrat Party preference in advance — you can just go to the party polling place of your choice, declare there and vote.

If you are registered to vote in Story County but don’t know where to go, or you’re not sure if you’re registered here, call the Story County Courthouse in Nevada at (515)382-6581.

If you’re not registered, shame on you. But you have time to register before the general election in November. Registering is simple: Grab an Ames phone book, flip to the end of the government pages, fill out the Iowa Voter Registration Form and send it to Commissioner of Elections; Courthouse; 900 6th St.; Nevada, Iowa.

Cash in on one of the greatest privileges in America.

Vote.