Can They Count on Your VOTE?

The 2012 Presidential Elections are coming up in November and the campaign trail promises to be full of surprises. The faltering economy, a high unemployment rate, and an ideologically polarized country will play an important role in the decision-making process for voters. The "Leader of the Free World" must be elected by a democratic process and in an ideal world this would mean that everyone who is of age and legal status would show up at the polling booths. However, that utopian fantasy is farfetched, and as much as candidates would like to have a wider range of potential voters to sway, in actuality there's always a substantial group of people who will remain uninterested with the voting process for one reason or another.

The youth vote, religious groups, the LBGT community, African-Americans, Hispanics and other minorities play a decisive role in electing the next Commander-in-Chief. These groups are usually targeted by candidates who try to get their vote because they usually feel alienated and disenfranchised by the election process. A recent Gallup poll released earlier this month shows that 40 percent of voters self-identify as independents. This is another group of voters that also has a significant role in the election process.

In order to gain votes, candidates must present their ideas for the country to improve. However, it is up to each and every voter to learn, verify, and make sure what the candidate of their choice stands for, as well as what his opponents' ideals are by synthesizing the information they hear or read in the mainstream media. With very few networks now taking an impartial standing in presenting the everyday news, it is up for each individual to find out about their candidates. Voters must find reliable sources of information and try to differentiate facts from fiction. The social media, edited videos, biased articles, or other misleading information can confuse voters. Once voters reach their decision, it is very important to read as much as possible about their candidate and make sure they know who they are endorsing.

The Republican Party's Presidential Primaries started out with over 10 contenders, that been narrowed down to a final four. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, and Texas Congressman Ron Paul are the final four standing along with President Obama. One of these men will be elected President this year and it is every voter's responsibility to get to know them.

Apathy and distrust of government is arguably the only thing uniting people in the country from all sides of the political spectrum. If you are unsatisfied with the status quo and want change to happen, then make your opinions count. It is crucial that all eligible voters register. Make sure that on November 6, 2012 you participate and make your voice be heard.

For more information, visit the candidates' official websites:

Newt Gingrich

Barack Obama

Ron Paul

Mitt Romney

Rick Santorum

(Joana Santillana may be reached at joana.santillana@dusty.tamiu.edu)