I would like to commend Domenic Poli’s article, “No excuse not to vote,” for encouraging students to register to vote, both locally and by absentee ballots. It is wonderful to see a student encouraging peers to vote and offering instructions on precisely how to do so – especially in this day and age.

In 1972, when the voting age was lowered to 18, 50 percent of 18-24 year olds voted. It hasn’t been that high since, but the numbers are growing quickly, and we could break the record this year. Candidates don’t ignore us because we’re students; rather, they ignore us because we don’t vote.

If our generation can be fully mobilized, we can take charge of our common future and tell politicians that we want them to care about issues that affect students at UMASS, such as affordable higher education and textbook rip-offs. Furthermore, Domenic is spot on when he argues that it’s so easy to vote – especially when numerous student groups, faculty members, and administrators are currently sponsoring a non-partisan effort to register students to vote here, on campus, over the next few weeks.

In fact, up until the October 18 Massachusetts registration deadline, these groups are not only tabling, but are also making class presentations and going door-to-door in dorms to encourage students to register. Registration at your door – it couldn’t be any easier. They will even mail the forms for you.

So, you can eliminate the trekking home, or having to ask a relative to go to City Hall, and just come down to the Student Union or Campus Center and find a group registering people to vote. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to have your voice heard here at UMass.

Thomas Coon UMass Student