Why Your Vote Counts

Voting is a right that each American citizen gets at the age of 18. Many students would ask, "Why should anyone bother to vote? Does it matter if one person doesn't vote?"

            Tim Pelton, the Civic Engagement Coordinator of the Civic Engagement Center here at Bloomsburg University, is living proof that every vote counts. When voting for District Magistrate in Danville, Pelton met one of the candidates. Not knowing who to vote for, he voted for the candidate he had just met. That candidate won by exactly one vote.

            "If you start getting involved now, you can help make positive changes for years to come," Pelton said.

            Eric Bower, owner of Bloomutoday.com and candidate for Bloomsburg Town Council, also hopes the practice of voting among the students' increases.

            "What many students don't understand is that Town Council makes decisions that affect the town as well as the university and its students," said Bower. "If students don't like how things are being handled, they have the power and the right to vote and get their voices heard."

            The one thing that both Pelton and Bower agreed on was that students could make a lot of change, if they were proactive in the politics of the area. "The students have more power than they think," said Pelton. 

            An upcoming vote, following the elections this November, will decide on a new outdoor gathering ordinance. Bloomsburg Police Chief Leo Sokoloski has suggested permits for people have parties with more than 50 people, instead of the current 150, as well as increasing the costs of the permits to have these large parties. The mayor has stressed that these are only ideas, so no one should jump to conclusions.

            The registration date has already come and past for people to register to vote in this election. However, it is never too late to campaign for the candidates who are running. The elections held this November come at a key time for students' voices to be heard. The candidates, as well as those in the Civic Engagement Center, are hoping to see a large turnout at the polls.