Student Body President Jake Torres sent a message to all fellow Mustangs on Tuesday, encouraging students to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.

Torres made a variety of points in his e-mail, including that “it is our duty as citizens to actively participate in the government” and “it is important to …vote for the candidate of your choice.”

Although many students may not feel voting for midterm elections are as important as primary elections, other leaders on campus agree with Torres.

“Voting is both the privilege and obligation of any democracy, especially ours,” said Michael Sousoulas, treasurer of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

“There’s the old saying ‘every vote counts.’ While there are some people who can argue that it isn’t necessarily true because of the way that our government is run, you can’t, or really don’t, have the right complain about it if you haven’t partaken in the voting process to elect any of the people running,” he said.

Lana Greene, vice president of the SMU Honor Council, believes voting is important as long as the voters are educated.

 “Uneducated voters can’t possibly know who is best for leadership positions,” she said. “Whether the election is for public service, a student organization or a club, casting an educated vote is necessary to ensure that the best people are in charge.”

“I think it is great that Jake Torres sent out a message encouraging students to vote,” said Emily Langille, Program Council arts chair.

“I think every student should take advantage of the freedom we are given in this country, and voting is one of the ways we can voice our political opinion.”

Kyle Schornick, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, also agrees.

“Voting is a right that makes our country great, and many have died securing that freedom. We, as students, have the opportunity to contribute to the country and the state we live in with a vote. Jake articulated the opportunity, and we need to listen,” he said.

As Torres stated in his e-mail, students can register to vote at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml.