If you attend this university, you are likely an American. And as an American you have the right to do whatever it is that you do. You are said to be 'free.' One of these freedoms, or rights, is to elect officials to the various government positions and vote on various social issues.

November is here and that means two things. Thanksgiving and this Tuesday, being the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, is Election Day as defined in the U.S. Constitution.

If you have not realized the importance of voting by now, you are a child left behind. The U.S. educational system has failed you. But, we at Flyer News are sure that is not the case and want to encourage all of you to get out and vote.

We all have a civic duty to perform such actions. So often young voters, college students in particular, are discredited and devalued by politicians. The reason for this is very simple.

It is because, as a whole, young people do not vote. Why should any elected official pay attention to someone or a group who is not going to vote? This has a negative impact on our lives because the issues that concern us most are not receiving the proper attention.

There have been many campaigns to attempt to increase young voter turn out. Most recently, during the 2004 presidential election, Diddy, formerly known as P. Diddy, spearheaded the 'Vote or Die' campaign, though its results were mixed.

The solution to this problem of being ignored by politicians, however, is quite simple. Vote!

In the state of Ohio Issue 1 and Issues 2-5 have received much press coverage and television air time. In Dayton, most notably, the race for mayor has heated up in the past few weeks. What ever the issue or elected office that is on the ballot, be sure to educate yourself so that you can vote intelligently and confidently for your choice.

You will not only be helping yourself by exercising your right to vote, the entire community will also be a better place for it.