This time last year, a lot of us were rejoicing over President Barack Obama's victory over Sen. John McCain. We and other people in our age group turned out in the largest numbers we have seen since 1972.
Some of us probably felt a sense of accomplishment. The 55 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds that voted was probably the main reason Obama was elected. It also was probably the reason a Democrat won Indiana for the first time since 1964. The election may have shown some of us that political activity isn't futile and can yield results.
Political involvement and excitement about elections shouldn't be a one-time thing. That should be something we make part of our routines.
However, a year later, how many of us are still active in the political realm? Some people may not even know what's going on with key political issues.
We need to stay informed and involved. Regardless of our opinions on Obama and his views and policies or about any political issue, we need to stay involved. If things haven't gone well for you since the election or you think the apocalypse is coming, do something about it. If things have gone your way and you're in the middle of a golden age, do what you can to keep fortune on your side and spread it to others.
Even if it's mailing a letter to your congressman or congresswoman or joining a student political group, stay active. Nothing negative can come from it.
The point is, the 2008 presidential election proved that all it takes is for us to show up to have some effect on the outcome. Participation is at the heart of democracy. A lot of our apathy comes from the feeling that we don't matter. If we keep turning out the way we did for the 2008 election, the powers that be will take notice and we'll matter as much as any other age group.
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