The 2012 election is high tension and high profile. Unlike the 2008 election, there is no clear winner with only a few weeks left before the final vote. This will certainly make for interesting night on November 6th. However, with such focus on the presidential race, many voters are left uninformed on other issues and elections. Not to worry though! There are plenty of ways for voters, young and old, to get educated and get interested!

MTV understands that although the right to vote is granted at the age of 18, many eligible voters do not take advantage of this right. It is important to remember that a massive amount of votes comes from young voters. It is important for those voters to remember that each candidate will influence them with their stands on key issues. To get voters informed MTV created http://powerof12.org to highlight the candidates, key issues, and voting registration dates. The website is unbiased and an interactive way for a major voting party to have their voices heard. On the website, MTV stated, “YOU have the power to determine the outcome of this year’s election.” This is a powerful and true statement about how young voters will be very influential in this high stakes election.

However, this race is about more than just federal spending and education. On the voter’s ballot, there will be names other than just the familiar, Obama and Romney. These would be the names of the candidates for the United States Congressional Elections. Voters are even less informed about these candidates that actually represent their state and whose issues are close to home. For voters to get informed, they can log onto http://votesmart.org/voteeasy to get information about Senate and House of Representative candidates. With the “Vote Easy” page, voters can learn about the candidates in their districts and can fill out a poll to find the candidate that best fits their views.

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”  It is important for voters to be informed come November 6th, because they won’t just be selecting a name on a ballot, but will be making choices that affect their financial stability and families. There are plenty of ways for voters to get educated, so get informed, get registered, and be heard!