With arguably the most important and intriguing presidential election since 1968 on the horizon, the collective American conscience has shifted to politics. Accordingly, the candidates are fastidiously seeking the "young vote," that is, voters under 30, to constitute a significant voting bloc that may ultimately determine the election.

Political pundits predict the number of young voters in 2008 may approach the record—55.4 percent—set in 1972, the first year 18-year-olds were given the chance to cast ballots. As college students with an acutely vested interest in an uncertain American future, we are a crucial demographic and an important player in the political process. However, it's still far too common for our generation to remain disinterested.

Consider this: 226 million people tuned into NFL games this year. That's 100 million more than the 122.3 million who voted in 2004. Now, I realize Obama and McCain would probably suck as linebackers, but the voter apathy is still troublesome.

With so much on the line in 2008, the same dubious excuses that have plagued our generation's voters for years are simply unacceptable. What's that? You're too tired? Yeah, George Washington was tired too in the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge after marching hundreds of miles with no food, no clothes, and one nasty little frostbite—all so you could have the right to drag your butt half a block to the nearest polling site for a few minutes while sipping your espresso macchiato.

So you have better things to do? You're right, Thomas Jefferson only risked treason and his life with all that declaration brouhaha, but he would have rather been working on his tan somewhere. On Feb. 19 (Wisconsin primary) and Nov. 4 (national election) nothing can be more important than our duty to America.

It's simple. Go to www.rockthevote.com or www.wisconsinvote.org for voter registration information. Or, just show up at the polling place on voting day with a Marquette ID and register there. Easy.

As college students and Americans, we are entrusted with the responsibility and privilege of protecting this sacred process. A failure to vote waives our right to actively engage in the discourse and policy that will ultimately shape our future. We simply cannot ignore this obligation. It's easy. Get out and vote this year.