With the 2012 presidential elections right around the corner, I couldn’t help but wonder how many students will vote in the upcoming elections. Additionally, how many will make an informed decision on who will lead our country for the next term? Students are bombarded every day with opinions of President Barack Obama and whether he or Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney should win the 2012 election. Everywhere I turn I see American citizens supporting President Obama, voicing their opinions of his success or lack of or showing support for Romney. Messages are everywhere from social media to television and radio advertisements to bumper stickers. There is no escape. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 5 million more citizens voted in the 2008 elections than those who participated in the 2004 elections. Although there was much buzz about youth involvement during the campaign for the 2008 election, according to campusvoteproject.org, the youth only accounted for 19 percent of the electorate. It is my belief that students should take advantage of the opportunity to vote in the election. They should take further responsibility and make an informed decision rather than voting for a candidate based on race, popularity or support by family and friends for a candidate. It is not whom you vote for that is important, but that you cast your ballot and the reasons why you select your candidate. The success and direction of the country depends on its citizens. It is the one responsibility of U.S. citizens to register and vote in the election. The Campus Vote Project indicates on their website that of the students registered to vote in 2008, only 87 percent actually voted. Everyone has a voice and loves to share their opinions, but make an informed choice when selecting your candidate and let your vote be your voice. Those seeking to vote must be United States citizens 18 years of age or older and have no criminal record of a felony in order to vote. Registration can be completed online at www.geauxvote.com or in person at a Registrar of Voters office, Department of Motor Vehicles office, Louisiana Department of Social Services office or Armed Forces Recruitment office. Registration must be completed 30 days prior to an election to be eligible to vote. Voters may cast their ballot at the Registrar of Voters Office and must bring a driver’s license or picture identification on the day of voting. Early voting takes place from seven to 14 days prior to a scheduled election. For additional information on the registration and voting processes, visit www.sos.la.gov.