Over the last week I have heard more than a few times from my friends that they are not going to vote.

I simply do not understand this.

We are on the verge of starting a career and an actual life where the decisions our politicians make will affect us directly.

However, many college students do not understand how the government affects their lives.

But with the state in a looming budget crisis, it is important to ensure the problem is fixed before it begins to cast weight on our own employment endeavors.

And despite Illinois’s insufficient budget, the state and local governments have much to say about institutions that affect the lives of students.

For one, the local government affects property taxes and even if a student does not own property, his or her rent is relative to the amount each pays for rent.

Not to mention many students who are about to enter the real world and will think about buying property within five years.

The individuals who are elected into office now will set the bar for what the tax is in the future.

Which leads me to my next point, the state government also affects local public education, which is funded by property taxes. For students going into education, this is a hot topic right now.

How the next governor will handle the system over all will no doubt affect his job out look, salary, and resources for the school year.

And still, students do not have to look into post graduation ventures to see how this election will affect them.

Many students were unpleasantly surprised when they received less financial aid because of the state deficit.

The Monetary Award Program Grant was one of particular worry for many students recently.

Financial aid was cut for many even forcing some students to take a semester off to work.

However, some still may not be convinced.

If money is of no worry for students, there is still more to be concerned about within local elections.

If one votes within his or her home district or at school, the officials voted into office for the specific region, county or town affect the way funds are distributed and how regulations are set throughout the area.

This includes anything from road construction to alcohol divergence programs to water rates.

So to my friends who feel they have nothing to worry about and they have no voice in this year’s election, now more than ever you should, Republican or Democrat.

In a time when social concerns have gone to the wayside and budget has come to the front line of the election, as a young adult about to become a professional, a student should be ready to cast a ballot to ensure his or her future.

Kayleigh Zyskowski is a senior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-7944 or

[email protected].