Register to vote: Put up or shut up

By Priscilla Juarez Last updated Feb 10, 2016 210 1

Register by Feb. 1 to vote in this year’s election

Hey Hawks! Let me start off by telling you a story about my dear friend, Jorge.

GRAPHIC: Jorge, the opinionated student who doesn't exercise his right to vote, explains how he is not registered. Don't be like Jorge. Graphic created by The Signal Managing Editor Sam Savell. — *Jorge, the opinionated student who doesn’t exercise his right to vote, explains how he is not registered. Don’t be like Jorge. Graphic created by The Signal Managing Editor Sam Savell.*

Jorge loves to watch the news every night and loves to have an opinion about everything. He currently has opinions about the presidential candidates. However, when he hears anything in the news regarding our president, those opinions of his quickly turn negative. When someone brings up President Obama, his response usually is, “He is the worst thing that has ever happened to this country.”

The other day I asked Jorge who he will be voting for this November, his response? “Oh, I don’t vote. It’s a waste of time.” Then I found out that he isn’t even registered.

What gives Jorge the right to constantly bash our president when he didn’t even bother to vote in the last election?!

If your views coincide with Jorge’s, here are the top five reasons why you should go get registered and how it can affect your future:

It’s your constitutional right.

Everyone you come across probably tells you this and, guess what, they are absolutely right. There are countless other countries around the world whose citizens do not have this opportunity, even people in this country. If you are able to vote, take advantage and do it.

Your vote matters.

Your vote does make a difference. There have been elections decided by a handful of votes. Granted, your vote is a small percentage of the state’s population, but your small number feeds into an even bigger number. Go feed into that number you want to win.

Politicians will not focus on college issues without your vote.

Let’s face it, a candidate in the running will only address the issues that are important to voters. Do you want student loan rates or educational standards to be an issue? If your answer is yes, you need to go vote.

Other people’s problems will eventually become yours.

Newsflash: Within the next four years, you will be graduating, getting a job, buying a car, getting married, having children and probably renting or buying a home. You need to pay attention to the policies that you should be voting on today because they will impact your future. Think ahead, go get registered and do your research before voting.

Don’t be a Jorge.

Don’t annoy your friends with opinions unless you have voted. Earn that right by going to your local post office, library, DMV or even www.VoteTexas.gov. The deadline to register is Feb.1 – and don’t forget to vote in the presidential election in November