Hannah Jones/Winonan

For those of us in college as young adults, this point in our lives also represents an important juncture as free thinkers and discerning citizens of this country.

As November has finally closed in, many of us will be casting ballots for the first time in our lives, affecting the course of United States history.

This event is doubly important because not only will the outcome of this election determine the leader of our country for the next four years, but also because of two proposed constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot as well.

In addition to the presidential election, here in Minnesota, voters will also be voicing their opinions on two key issues: the Minnesota Voter Identification Amendment, and the Minnesota Same-Sex Marriage Amendment.

The Same-Sex Marriage Amendment will determine whether or not Article XIII of the Minnesota Constitution will include a clause restricting marriage to apply only to one man and one woman. The text on the ballot will appear as follows:

“Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?”

Those in favor of defining marriage as solely heterosexual will vote “yes,” and those opposed will vote “no.”

The Minnesota Voter Identification Amendment, also on the 2012 ballot, will directly influence the interface of elections starting in 2013, requiring all voters to produce a valid state ID or driver’s license before casting their ballots.

This amendment is intended to eliminate voter fraud, but could change the interface of same-day registration and absentee ballot voting. Those who cannot submit the proper government-issued identification will have to fill out a provisional ballot, to be counted toward the election after the voter certifies their eligibility to vote. These votes, however, are not counted until seven to ten days after the election.

Both of these issues affect us directly as college students, young adults and human beings in that they directly influence how we voice our opinions, and whom we can and cannot marry.

At this all-important juncture, our foray into the electoral process, we must decide how our changing residencies and busy schedules will be treated in further elections, and even how marriage, an institution we all may one day wish to indulge in, is treated and defined by law.

We stand at the crux, we hold the decision in our hands and arguably, never has it been more important to let our leaders know exactly what we want for the future, the future of the country—the future of us. And yet, alarmingly, many of us are remaining silent.

According to the United States Census Bureau, during the November 2010 election, 59.8 percent of citizens aged 18-24 in the Midwest Region were reported not to have voted.

That’s well over half of our age bracket in our region who failed to cast a ballot two years ago: a total of 2,129 people. When it comes to changing the outcome of a nationwide decision, perhaps one vote is merely a drop in the national bucket.

But when you factor the presence or absence 2,129 of those drops into the equation, perhaps a change can be made—one way or the other.

All over campus, political groups are voicing their opinions on the two amendments in an effort to reach out to that last chunk of silent citizens: the 59.8 percent. Whatever our feelings on either issue, it is crucial that we stop—listen—and act.

Frustration or paralysis when it comes to voting is common and natural.

After all, each vote is only one vote. But each person who decides to overcome his or her doubts, get informed and cast a ballot is one more vote on a decision that affects us all, for the next four years, and for the history of our country. Casting a ballot is not only important; it’s essential.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Those who live on main campus can vote right in Kryzsko Commons with the presentation of a school ID. Those who live on West Campus can vote at St. Anne’s, 1347 6 Street West. For those at East Lake, cast your ballots at Central Fire Station 431 3 Street East. Mark your calendars; grab your IDs; do your research. This is it.

Contact Hannah at [email protected]