Editorial - Be prepared for election day

As of tomorrow, six weeks are all that stand between us and election day.

Certainly, we will all be relieved to finally get past the perpetual madness that is the modern presidential election season. But for the next six weeks, it is important all of us are mindful of fulfilling our duties as citizens of the United States.

The following weeks mark the critical final stretch for political campaigns across the country, spanning all levels of government. Next Wednesday, President Barack Obama and former Gov. Mitt Romney will square off in the first of three presidential debates. This debate, which will be held at the University of Denver and will focus on domestic policy, will provide undecided voters with the opportunity to hear each candidate make his case to the American people.

If you haven’t decided who you are voting for, it is important you tune in to the debates and do your own research on the issues before coming to a decision.

Of course, this doesn’t just apply to your choice between President Obama and former Gov. Romney – you should also be diligently researching the candidates and issues at the state and local level. Being informed is an important prerequisite to voting.

Once you’ve taken the vital step of educating yourself on the candidates and the issues, make all necessary preparations for casting your ballot. Make sure you are registered to vote and if you aren’t, register as soon as possible.

In West Virginia, the deadline for registration is 21 days before the election.

The West Virginia University SGA has initiated a new program called Turbo Vote, which streamlines the registration process for students. If you still need to register, obtain an absentee ballot or, if you would like to be sent a digital reminder to vote on election day, be sure to take advantage of this program.

Our country is at an important crossroads, and who we elect as our next group of leaders will have tremendous consequences.

Young voters are notoriously apathetic when it comes to politics, even though they have an equal stake in the outcome of these elections. Considering the wide range of consequential issues that will be decided at the ballot box this year – ranging from gay rights and abortion to health care and student loans – there is no excuse for you to stand on the sidelines come Nov. 6.

For more information on Turbo Vote, visit https://wvu.turbovote.org/register.