Voting is right and responsibility for every students

It is (kind of) spring in Pittsburgh, and with the start of a new season comes the student government elections.

The candidates have announced themselves and their teams, the platforms are in, and as of Friday, the debating has been done. As exciting as it has been to watch democracy in action on our own campus, the most thrilling part of the process hasn't started yet.

From Thursday, March 26 at noon to Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m., both graduate and undergraduate students will have the chance to cast their votes and determine the next student body president, vice president, vice president for finance, vice president for organizations, and senators.

While some students scoff at the idea of spending even a minute of their time making their voice heard, it is imperative that everyone who is eligible to vote do so in this election.

There are a number of issues at stake, and no matter who wins, there is much to be done within the next year. The university is at an integral part of its existence, and the changes it undergoes within the next decade could very well determine the Carnegie Mellon reputation for years to come.

Students have the potential to spark real change at Carnegie Mellon, both on campus and beyond. One of the many responsibilities that comes with this potential is an obligation to vote, and voting whenever the opportunity is afforded will enable students to better recognize the right to vote as a privilege and an honor.

The upcoming elections may not be of the utmost importance to everyone this year, but laying the groundwork for a sustainable democracy should be.

Last year, the percentage of students that voted was 17.9, higher than previous years. Turnouts this year again have the potential to be much higher, and they should be. The Tartan urges students to cast their vote this week.