National Voter Registration Day was Sept. 23. Being a “Coastie” from Southern California, I decided to register my vote in Madison. My friend, an out-of-state from Washington, was more than confused. “Why do you even bother to do such thing? Your vote doesn’t matter in a state of six million people.” I rolled up my eyes at this seemingly naive, yet interesting question: Why do I even bother to vote in Wisconsin?

I do admit that in a state with a population of 5.7 million, 4.3 million potential voters and 3.4 million registered voters, one vote doesn’t seem to have much weight mathematically — the theoretical impact generated by this vote is less than a millionth. While the voting process can be frustrating, one must consider the entire situation. Are these valid reasons for you to choose NOT to cast your vote and NOT to exercise your rights?

Voter participation is the foundation of any successful democracy. Think about it. Is there a difference between a supposedly “democratic” state in which no one cares about the policies directly affecting him or her and an authoritarian state in which no one is allowed to voice their opinion? There is virtually no difference in practical view. For hundreds of years, our ancestors have fought with their blood and courage against all odds to secure a system in which the people can determine the direction of their government. The right to vote is the most precious, important right we hold as citizens of this nation. We the people should choose our own leaders, our own future and our own path.

“Then why do you vote here in Wisconsin instead of your native California?,” he asked again. Well, that’s obvious, I replied, because as long as I am a student at University of Wisconsin, I will be affected much more by the direction of Wisconsin than that of far, far away California.

In a time in which the UW System hikes up tuition an average of 5.5 percent a year, the Wisconsin government, under Gov. Scott Walker, has passed a much-needed financial relief in the form of a tuition freeze. Earlier in the year the governor confirmed that he would propose to extend the tuition freeze for another two years, a move especially beneficial for out-of-state students, who are paying $26,660 in tuition alone.

That is not all of the story. Under Walker’s leadership, over 100,000 jobs and more than 23,000 new businesses have been created. During his first three years in the Capitol, Wisconsin ranked 22nd in job creation, while this year Wisconsin ranks first in the Midwest for personal income growth, surpassing our neighbors Michigan and Minnesota. Not to mention, the state has seen the lowest unemployment rate since 2008 and tax relief of more than $2 billion because of the reforms that benefit the millions of taxpayers.

Those statistics may not sound very relevant to us students, but in reality we are all benefited from the superb economic performance. Remember that as a student, you spend approximately 75 percent of your year here in Madison. For freshmen that’s over 32 of the next 48 months spent here in Wisconsin. Even if you decide to leave the state after receiving your degree, this election will heavily impact your time as a student. It would make sense to invest in your future here as a Wisconsin student by casting your vote in the Badger State.

When it comes to registering to vote there are two options at this point: in-person at the City Clerk’s office or at the polling station Election Day. No matter which avenue you take to register, you will need an official document that proves your residence, such as a utility bill.

Overall, it is our right and responsibility to decide things that affect us the most. I’m very proud to have become part of this great university, this great city and this great state. Wisconsin is on the right track. Together, let us keep the momentum and make the home of Badgers a better place for everyone.

Michael Pesendorfer II ([email protected]), a freshman majoring in economics and Luke Weng ([email protected]), a sophomore, majoring in economics and East Asian Studies, collaborated on this article.