For most Ball State students, Muncie isn't home.
It's temporary housing for four years of schooling. We weren'there before college, and most of us won't be here after.
So why should we vote in local Muncie elections?
Because for at least four years, students spend the majority oftheir lives in Muncie. Decisions made by city government directlyimpact us.
That's why former SGA President Tommy Rector worked closely withthe mayor in an attempt to toughen regulations governinglandlords.
It's also why Jason Manship, the current SGA president, hasdiscussed working with the city to make McKinley Avenue morepedestrian and biker-friendly.
We have to work with the city to make life better for thestudents who spend time here.
Other proposed city legislation -- from a ban on smoking inrestaurants to a plan to rename a street in honor of Martin LutherKing, Jr. -- should also pique student interest.
But here's the kicker: All these decisions will be made withoutour input, unless we register and vote. If we don't vote, we don'thave the tiniest chance of influencing political outcomes -- that'swhy college students are allowed to register in the areas wherethey attend school instead of their hometowns.
The candidates for mayor of Muncie will debate Thursday at 7p.m. in City Hall. Telecommunications professor Steve Bell willmoderate between Dennis Tyler, a Muncie fire captain, and two-termmayor Dan Canan. The debate will be broadcast live on ComcastChannel 42.
Students should watch the debates, make up their minds, and getready to get out the vote.
Ball State is part of Muncie, for better or for worse.
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