College campaigners casting votes: Truth or trend?

After polling several students across the state, most college students—surprisingly enough—had similar viewpoints concerning the campaigning and voting processes among college students in Mississippi.

Whitney Sasser, senior elementary education major, thinks most college campaigners are simply a group of students stirring trouble with no intentions of casting votes themselves.

"If I'm not registered to vote where I am on voting day? I'm not influencing others to stand for my beliefs nor am I going to encourage them to cast their votes," Sasser said. "If I were to do that, it would be the pot calling the kettle black."

Sasser's statement rings true in many instances, especially Hattiesburg. The Facebook profile pictures with "VOTE NO!" or "VOTE YES!" are certainly eye-catching, but who's really a true-blue voter?

Plenty of Southern Miss students aren't registered to vote in the Pine Belt or surrounding areas, but has that kept them from rallying their beliefs from cyberspace to outer space, back to Centennial Lawn behind the library?

Eh, didn't think so.

Many of you might be thinking, "What am I to do? Should I fulfill my civic duty and physically vote? Should I make others think I have a genuine concern for the well-being of Mississippi by voicing my opinion via social network?"

Melanie Webb of the University of Mississippi is doing all she can to make a difference.

"Although I'm not registered to vote in Oxford, I'll be driving to Flowood on Tuesday to cast my vote," Webb said.

I think being allowed to vote in specific areas puts all of us in a difficult position.

Christopher Herrington of the University of Mississippi has similar viewpoints to those of Southern Miss students.

"Most people are using Initiative 26 as a means of being heard, regardless if they cast a vote or not. Most people won't actually vote. Yes, they'll raise awareness and bring attention to the movement, but they won't actually cast a vote." Herrintgon said.  

"The people raising awareness about the amendments are making an impact by influencing others to vote, but in many ways it doesn't make much sense."

So, what will you do today? Will you simply voice your opinion or take the time to make a difference and cast a vote? Every vote counts. How will you make a difference?