As the 2012 presidential election nears, Ashland University’s campus has one basic question on its mind—to vote or not to vote?

This is a question that has been at the forefront of every U.S. presidential election. To cast a vote to decide the fate of one’s country, or to remain the strong, silent type and let someone else handle it.

This question will be pondered upon by not only AU students, but by thousands of college-aged young adults as they decide whether to vote or not.

As the Nov. 6 election day draws near, this question becomes more and more of a reality with each passing day. Students will have to decide whether or not to cast a vote. Historically speaking, however, students have not exactly been kind to the ballots.

According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, census data shows that only 48.5 percent of young adults aged 18-24 voted in the 2008 presidential election. This is an increase of two percent from the 2004 election, and the number will most likely rise again this year.

Fifty percent is not good enough, though. This means that half of the people that could be voting simply do not.

Whether its inability to get to the polls at home, not being registered to vote or simply apathy toward politics in general, there are countless some AU students feel that the reasons to vote far outweigh those reasons not to.

“Now it’s more important than ever to vote,” said junior Seth Swaggerty. “The government needs to help people.”

This government help cannot be run by just anyone.

Students know that they must decide to vote for the candidate who will best suit their individual needs.

“I liked Ron Paul,” Swaggerty said. “He gives people the most freedom.”

While secondary candidates like Ron Paul are too far out of the race to make a difference, students still find that it is important to know which candidate is the one for you. Staying informed about the election allows students to make these important decisions.

As more and more students stay informed, coupled with the powerful tools of social media, the voting movement will most likely continue to grow and influence more and more students to make their opinions heard.

“I want to feel like I participated in something that everyone else does and make it a group effort,” freshman Ruth Chilcote said.

A group effort is certainly something that can increase voter turnout. The importance of this cannot be denied as the fate of the country hangs in the balance.