E. Brunswick teen sees the importance of exercising right to vote

All young people will reach an important milestone in their lives on the day they turn 18 — they will be granted the privilege to vote in our local, state and national elections.

I consider myself extremely lucky this year because I turn 18 three days before Election Day, and I am, therefore, eligible to vote. I have already registered; for anyone who has not, the deadline is Oct. 9.

Having recently participated in an MTV Rock the Vote event at the PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, I realized the need to get more of my peers to participate in the political process. I spent the evening registering people to vote.

Anyone who is eligible and not currently registered in Middlesex County should contact the Board of Elections at 777 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901; telephone (732) 745-3471. If you are going to be away at college, you should also contact them to obtain an absentee ballot, so that you don’t forfeit your right to participate in the election.

The importance of exercising our right to vote cannot be understated. It is the most direct way we can influence the quality of our lives for today and for our future. The most important thing we should know about our electoral process is that every vote is crucial.

I know my future is at stake. When casting my vote, I will choose candidates who can help to ensure the quality of life I want for my future — candidates who have demonstrated a caring for our environment and our safety within it. Some of my concerns are school and public safety, preserving open space and making college more affordable.

As for me, I’ll be voting for Jim McGreevey for governor, Barbara Buono for state Senate and Peter Barnes and Patrick Diegnan for state Assembly.

Don’t forget to register. Don’t forget to vote.

Rachel Lowen

Age 17

East Brunswick