Voter power

As Philadelphia and some members of the Temple community join the Occupy Philly movement, as reported throughout the paper this week, The Temple News wants to remind activists again that while we support your right to protest, it’s important to not forget the basics.

It is encouraging to see so many young people engaging in their civic life through protest. The Temple News will consistently support people who are trying to better their world or community through activism. Protesting is a great way to complement a lifestyle of civic engagement, voting and staying informed. But The Temple News will always encourage the latter first.

If you are unhappy with the way your government is being run, the best way to address it is through knowledge and through voting. The best way to protest will always be at the polls.

While the youth vote increased in 2008, too many young people still neglect their responsibility to vote, or vote only in presidential elections.

Today, Oct. 11, is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming November elections, as [NAME] discusses in [HEADLINE, p.X]. While protesting and demonstrating are great complements to voting, they should not take priority before it. And students and members of the Temple community who are participating in events like Occupy Philly who have failed to register to vote or failed to vote should re-evaluate their priorities.

Protests are enjoyable to participate in because they make our values feel acknowledged. But students should remember that they don’t need to be a part of a huge movement to have their voices heard. They just need to get to the polls next month. If you are not yet registered to vote, The Temple News encourages you to do so today.