Not voting: it’s apathetic

Republicans and Democrats can agree on one thing: if you don’t vote, your voice will not be heard. For the past eight years there has been a surge in the usage of the word “un-American”, in every context imaginable. I don’t care what your political leanings are. The most un-American thing of all is to sit at home on Election Day.

November 7 is the true Patriots’ Day, because on that day Americans of every background come out to the polls to make their mark on America’s government. In 2004, 60.3% of the eligible voting population turned out (about 55.3% of all persons over 18 in America). While that’s an increase of over 6% from 2000, the number is still staggeringly low.

This begs the question: why? Do Americans just not care? Or do they care, but like neither major candidate? Either way, just six in ten Americans who can vote on Election Day do so. Six in ten care to have their say in America’s future.

You may not know it, but we in Terre Haute sit in the middle of the fourth biggest congressional race in the country, and the largest race with a challenger to an incumbent. In Indiana’s 8th district, of which Terre Haute sits right in the middle, Brad Ellsworth (D) is challenging incumbent John Hostettler (R). Millions of dollars are being spent by both parties, just on our little district in Indiana.

There are hundreds of things you can do to make your voice heard. But the one that will have the most effect is registering to vote if you haven’t already, and casting your vote on Election Day. If you don’t have a ride, find one. Ask a member of the College Democrats or College Republicans.

Everyone at Rose is technically an Indiana resident; we live here nine months of the year. You can find the form at www.in.gov/sos/elections/pdfs/50504.pdf. These forms are due on or before Monday, October 9. We’re in Vigo County, so if you use Rose as your primary address, send these forms to:



Vigo Co. Board of

Voter Registration

Courthouse, Room 3

33 South 3rd Street

Terre Haute, IN 47808 - 3472



Or, alternatively, you can ask a member of one of the college political groups for a form, and they’ll even turn it in for you. If you still don’t consider yourself “from” Indiana, you can cast an absentee ballot in your home state. Either of the above groups can help you with that as well.

And, finally, on Election Day, you’ll need to bring your Indiana photo ID when you go to vote. If you don’t have an Indiana ID but would like to vote in Indiana, you can still cast an Indiana absentee ballot.