To go to the polls next week and vote is to demonstrate adulthood bestowed on us when we turn 18. Sure, smoking cigarettes may make you look older while winning Lotto or Power Ball will give you financial power.Voting, however, is a right of passage that enables you to use your citizenship, convictions and maturity in a new and powerful way.Why then did only 42 percent of 18 to 24 year olds vote in the 2004 presidential election? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about half of U.S. citizens in this age group even bothered to register! This group had by far the lowest voter turn out of all age groups. As voters age, they are more likely to vote. Does this mean that our generation will wise-up and start voting later on in life? Maybe. Voter data from 1964 shows about the same trend as today, when only 44 percent of 18 to 24 year olds voted. Those same people — baby boomers – now vote in much higher numbers.But why wait? By choosing not to vote, young people are choosing not to participate in our democracy. If young voters use their right to vote, then they could influence election results. Higher turnout in the young age group could easily decide a close presidential race – like those in 2000 and 2004.Voting is an opportunity to have a say in our society. While volunteering in political campaigns and working for social change is a way to change the injustices we see, such activism does not compare to the magnitude of influence young voter turnout would have on the future of our country and the world.If you are part of the 18-to-24-year-old majority and you haven’t registered to vote, then ask yourself why. “It’s a chore, I’m too busy,” are not valid excuses. These days voting is as convenient as a trip to 7-11. You can vote by mail in this election if you registered during the registration period.”I don’t know the issue,” is not a valid excuse. If you don’t understand a ballot issue or have not made up your mind, you can leave that particular ballot issue blank but cast your vote on the rest of the ballot. Or, you could even try to figure out what is at stake. Explanation of ballot issues is easily accessible online on federal, state and local government Web sites. “I hate politics” is not an excuse either. Remember nothing will ever change in politics if you and those like you forsake their right to have their voices heard.Young voters can account for up to 12% of the vote. Right now, however, we are only using 5% of it. Why would we want to throw this chance for change away?As the uncertainty of the fates of November ballot issues rise, answer with your vote. This year, though an off year for congressional and presidential elections, still has important issues at stake. With Referendums C and D, your vote could protect education, healthcare and public projects from going off the deep end. Stagnant political struggles – including the steep rise in college tuition coupled with depleted grants and funds – won’t end until you do! One law and one political figure can alter the conditions and quality of your life. One vote, multiplied by other new voters, can place your future in better hands.