Today is Nov. 6, 2012, and you have one important duty: vote.

It is far more important to take time out of your day to help elect our future national, state and local leaders than go to class, write a paper or even study for midterms. We understand that students are busy balancing their school, work and social calendars, but on one day of the year it’s important that you put your civic life above all else.

Many in the University of Minnesota community, especially in the class of 2016, will be first-time voters this year, or it will be their first opportunity to vote in a presidential election.

Those of you who are seniors may have voted for the first time in 2008 when we saw firsthand the power young people could have in an election. In 2008, 66 percent of voters under 30 voted for President Barack Obama — showing the largest disparity between young voters and other age groups in a presidential election since data from when exit polling began being recorded in 1972.

Young people often think differently than other age groups on the issues facing our nation and have different needs to be met by their public officials — so vote tomorrow for the candidates you think will best meet those needs in the years to come.

For those of you who haven’t registered to vote yet, it’s not too late. The state of Minnesota fortunately allows same-day voter registration.

In order to register on Election Day, you must provide a valid Minnesota driver’s license or state ID card, a valid student photo ID card if you are living in University housing or have a voter registered in the same precinct as you to vouch for you. There are several more options besides these for those of you who aren’t yet registered which can be found at the secretary of state’s website.