The editorial is the opinion of the editorial board of The Daily Eastern News.

Young voters often feel apathetic come election time, concerned or convinced that their vote will make no difference in the outcome of the election.

In the city election, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Although student voter registration numbers are rising, the number of students who actually vote is not changing. This is a problem that needs to be remedied fast, as today we each have the opportunity to sway the vote on who the mayor and city council members of this city will be with one strategically placed little hole punch.

Regardless of what your political philosophy is, you couldn’t ask for an election in which your vote will make more of a difference.

Whether your concern is landlord registration, bar-entry age, city relations with Eastern or Charleston’s comprehensive plan, a major impact will be felt quickly as a result of this election.

In a national election, such as the one last November, it is hard to believe that your vote counted. When votes are thrown out, recounted and dependent upon an electoral voter, it is easy to think that your vote is unnecessary in the grand scheme of things.

But this election really is different. In a town where students make up almost half the population, it is very possible for their votes to make a difference.

And with so many people being registered to vote because of registration drives and the like, it only makes sense that students would go and make good use of their constitutional right.

This is a time when we are supposed to be idyllic, not cynical; eager to take part in the political process, not apathetic to political causes.

This election has been heated up over issues close to student’s hearts, particularly in the mayoral contest. It is especially important students go out and show support for the candidates who are making a point of involving them through public forums and discussing issues that students feel strongly about.

It is even more common for young voters to not take an interest in state and local elections than it is for them to not take an interest in national elections. This is backwards, as we will all see a distinct reaction from this election, far more of a reaction than we would feel from a presidential election.

Get out and vote, make your voice heard. It only takes a few minutes, but it could shape the face of Charleston for years to come.