Gabe & Gula

Gabe

For many college students the importance of voting, especially locally, is not on the forefront of their minds.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2008, only 49 percent of 18-42-year-olds voted in the presidential elections. If less than 50 percent are voting in a national matter, the number of local voters would probably be significantly lower.

It is not hard to become a registered voter. For those of you who did not receive a voter registration form in hall meeting, just stop by the DMV Building in Lynchburg, located at 3236 Odd Fellows Rd., Suite 110 and DMV Lobby, Lynchburg, Va. 24502.

Why should students get involved? A big reason has to do with the taxes. In Lynchburg, the tax on food is 11.5 percent. Which means, you are paying way too much to fulfill a necessary need to live. In order for taxes like this to change, the student body needs to take a stand. It is like one of my friends says, “If you are going to tax me, I am going to vote.”

Requirements:
– Must be 18 or older
– Must be a US citizen
– Proof of Virginia residency
Location:
– Heritage Elementary School
– Oct.17, 2011
– Transportation is provided

– Gabe Fowler

Gula

A big reason to vote in local elections is the fact that Liberty — and, therefore, us as students — is located in Lynchburg. Obvious, I know. But it is something that is often overlooked by those in this community that are apathetic and uncaring toward elections and the political realm in general.

The taxes here are pretty rotten — especially for students who are only here temporarily, and many of whom have no plans to stay here any longer than their four-year tenure demands. 11.5 percent for food tax and a 7.5 percent tax on groceries is something that will plague you during your time at Liberty whether you’re a voter or not.

And for those who complain about the exorbitant amount of money that we pay in taxes as students, voting is an ideal way to change that.

The majority of the taxes that we pay are determined by Lynchburg and the state governing officials. This fact — and the fact that we, as 12,000 potential voters, could determine who becomes said officials — is often overlooked. I’d guess that a lot of students might even be completely unaware, both of the ridiculous tax rates and also of our power to change them.

And, in my books, that in and of itself is more than enough of a reason to go out and vote.

– Andrew Gula