Every election year in recent memory, the Daily’s editorial board has debated whether or not it was necessary to write the obligatory “get out and vote”edit.

After all, one would have to be living in a cave to escape being inundated by all of the political advertising and media coverage of various political candidates.

But somehow the great weight of responsibility that every single American citizen above the age of eighteen bears gets muddled.

Many take their voting rights seriously, contemplating and debating issues and the palpability of candidates so that their interests can best be represented by their government. Some don’t take it quite so seriously, and some don’t take it at all.

Agovernment of the people, by the people and for the people…

Many say our government and its function do not affect the lives of most Americans. That’s bunk.

But even if it were true, perhaps part of the reason government cannot affect change on the people is because people refuse to affect change on their government.

Have an impact. Vote Democrat, Republican, Green Party or for the loyal order of water buffaloes. But vote.

Government remains ineffectual only as long as its people are ineffectual.