College students worry about recession as elections roll around

In 2008, young voters, people aged 18-29, set records for voter turnout and has been credited with helping President Obama secure his election. This year, the nation will elect another president and according to Rock the Vote, there are 44 million eligible young voters. Most of the students at Georgia State fall under this category and this year, we have another chance to make a difference and change the landscape of this country.

According to a fact sheet by Rock the Vote, voting among young Georgians rose by 11% in the 2008 Georgia primaries. I am inclined to believe the statistic is true based on what I saw at Georgia State. I came to Georgia State in August 2008, three months before Obama was elected. That year was also the first time I would be eligible to vote in a presidential election. I was excited and evidently, so was many of my classmates.

 I was barely able to walk through library plaza without someone urging me to register to vote. There were watching parties for the primaries and forums so students could get to know the candidates and their causes. The bookstore even sold paraphernalia with the word "VOTE" plastered in bold letters.

Georgia State was energized and I hope to see that same zeal this year. Since 2008, we've seen the emergence of what has been deemed The Great Recession. College graduates have been among the hardest hit thanks to hefty student loan payments and scarce jobs and current students are facing these same prospects. According the Rock the Vote fact sheet, jobs is the top issue that concerns people aged 18-29. As I prepare to graduate in a year, my biggest worry is finding a job and being able to support myself after I remove the cap and gown. For that reason, I am watching the candidates closely to see who has the best interests of me and my community.

Whether conservative or liberal, democrat or republican, students need to be involved and that goes past voting. Encourage friends to look up candidates and make an informed decision at the ballot. Make sure you know who the congressman in your district is and vote in elections besides the presidential elections. Hold your government accountable because they're here to serve you. Not the other way around.