The verdict is in: Obama for the blue team and McCain for the red team. Now it's time for students to get in the game by getting informed and registering to vote.
According to the Rock the Vote Web site, students should know that they have the right to vote in the community in which they reside, whether at their college or home address.
"By law, students absolutely have a right to register from their new dorm or apartment address every year," said Pat Urbanksi of the Erie County Board of Elections.
Students do not need the address on their license to match where they vote, as long as they are registered in that district.
Jennifer Zomorrodian, a sophomore communication major, is eager to exercise her newly obtained right to vote.
"Most people don't think it matters but this time it's different. It's a history-changing year," Zomorrodian said.
Students must register to vote by postmarking or returning their application in person no later than Oct. 10. Changes of address must take place by Oct. 15, according to the New York State Board of Elections.
College Democrat President Nicholas Orrange encourages students to register to vote using their dorm address so that they can vote at polls in the Student Union.
"Registering locally not only makes it easier to vote, but you also have the opportunity to participate in one of the most contested Congressional Races," Orrange said. "...Students are always welcome to come up to the office of the College Democrats and Republicans at 316 Student Union if they need help getting informed or registering to vote."
College Democrats and College Republicans will join Black Student Union on Sept. 3 in promoting registration awareness in the Student Union.
According to Urbanski, students who don't want to change their address can vote via absentee ballot by contacting their home county's Board of Elections and requesting an application for an absentee ballot.
Though it's a bit of work to obtain an absentee ballot, it's well worth the chance to voice an opinion, according to Christian Nugent, a freshman engineering major.
"Students should make themselves informed and get involved in the political process," Nugent said. "Every vote counts and it's your right to cast a vote."
Applications for absentee ballots must be received at the student's home board of elections between 30 and seven days before the elections. Once received, absentee ballots must be filled out and returned no later than Nov. 3.
Urbanski recommends completing voting applications as quickly as possible.
To speed up the process, the New York State Board of Elections offers a printable application on their Web site. The student will be provided a mailing address for where to send his/her absentee ballot.
