Oct. 30, 2008

Vote Tuesday, Nov. 4

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Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

One month ago, we urged you to register to vote, and you did in record numbers. Kalamazoo County had one of the state's four highest percentage increases in registered voters, thanks in large part to efforts by WMU student organizations.

Now, it is important to make that registration count. Most of you have already made a decision about your choice for president of the United States, but that is far from the only important race in this election. Voters will be choosing members of Congress, voting for state and local offices, and deciding two state ballot proposals and a county proposal on Kalamazoo Metro Transit funding.

Voting is one of the great privileges of U.S. citizenship, and we urge you to exercise that privilege responsibly. Learn about the candidates and their positions. Talk with your friends about who they are supporting and why. There is a wealth of information, including sample ballots, available on the Web at www.wmich.edu/vote/.

Knowing how you are going to vote before you go to the polls Nov. 4 can help speed the process and reduce lines at polling stations for everyone in what is likely to be a record voter turnout next Tuesday. Also, have your Michigan driver's license or other qualifying photo ID with you when to go to the polls. Other qualifying identification includes a current driver's license from another state or a current student ID with photo.

Be prepared to vote and be sure to vote Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Best regards,

John M. Dunn
President of Western Michigan University

Danielle Harik
President of the Western Student Association