In the midst of a whirlwind election year, ideas and opinions on politics, voting and policies seem to be at the forefront of our lives. But while it is extremely important for students to participate in the presidential election, an important election with a significant impact on ISU students is taking place right here at home.

Students can vote in the annual Student Government elections Tuesday and Wednesday to choose the next president, vice president and senators to represent undergraduate students next year.

While elections for student representatives may seem trivial — especially when ISU students are busy with their day-to-day lives — student participation in the democratic process is essential at any level.

Put simply, Student Government is a powerful institution on Iowa State’s campus. The Senate controls about $2.5 million dollars each year from the mandatory student activity fee paid for by all ISU students. This money is allocated to various student organizations.

The president of Student Government is meant to be a representative of ISU students, and his or her input and opinion is sought by administration, the city and other entities that affect the university.

With this much control on campus and ability to influence students’ lives in a very direct way, students need to take advantage of their ability to choose those who represent them and handle their money.

For most ISU students, considering the cost of a college education, a say in who controls how their student fee dollars are spent should be motivation enough to encourage them to vote in Student Government elections.

The students who are members of the more than 825 ISU clubs and organizations should especially feel passionate about the students who represent them. A major part of many clubs’ ability to function throughout the year is dependent on Student Government funding, which is reason enough for many students to take an interest in who represents them.

Unfortunately, this has not been the case in the past. Last year, voter turnout was only 12.8 percent, which equals just 4,135 votes. For a student population so large, such a low number is determining who will spend everyone’s money, make recommendations to the administration and put forward new initiatives on campus.

More student participation in elections is essential to the success of Student Government. Students will have two days to vote, beginning at midnight Tuesday. ISU students will receive an email link that will allow them to vote for Senate members, executive positions and referendums.