Yes, it's August. Yes, Election Day is November 6. But, if this will be the first time that you are eligible to vote, there are some things that you should take care of NOW, if you want to participate in the 2012 Election...

1. Check with your home state's Board of Elections, to see if there is a deadline by which you must be registered to vote. In Maryland, the registration deadline for this election is October 16, 2012.

2. Students who don't have a way to vote in person at home should request an Absentee Ballot (Maryland Residents, look here). Because Election Day falls in the middle of Advanced Registration for Spring Classes AND occurs right around the time that many of your science, engineering, and math courses will be giving their second exam, even students who live nearby may want to vote by Absentee Ballot, or utilize Early Voting options, if they are available in your area.

3. Educate yourself about the candidates! Project Vote Smart is a great web site that brings together information on Presidential and Congressional election candidates . It even includes a tool called VoteEasy, which asks you a series of questions about YOUR views on political issues, and then matches you up with your political "soul mate."

You now have the ability to make your voice heard on issues that directly effect your life - make the most of the opportunity!