My name is Eduardo Delgado and I serve as the president of the Young Democrats of Georgia Southern, as well as the vice president of the Political Science Club.

The election is on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. This election comes at an alarming time. We are told every election year, “This is the most important election of your lifetime.” This election just so happens to actually be the case. This year we elect our congressperson and governor, along with other state-wide offices.

As a student in Georgia, I rely on the HOPE Scholarship. Without it, I wouldn’t be at GS. I rely on the politicians who not only want to keep the HOPE Scholarship but want to expand it. Stacey Abrams is one of those people.

As a citizen paying taxes, I am concerned how all Georgians are benefitting from my tax dollars. It is clear that Leader Abrams wants to expand Medicaid. Not only will that add jobs, more people will be covered. I find it critical to clarify that this will not raise anyone’s taxes. We will only be accepting money that was already allocated to Georgia by the federal government. Stacey Abrams will ensure that rural hospitals stay open.

These two issues, to me, are the most important.

As a student who is reading this, you will think, “Why should I participate?” Let me make it absolutely clear. One, it is your right to vote. Many brave people, like Georgia Congressman John Lewis, have been beaten for your right to vote. Two, not voting only suppresses your voice in your government. You should have a voice in who should represent you and your peers in our government. Three, the governor appoints Board of Regents members to seven-year terms. The Board of Regents are over all public universities and colleges in our state, including GS. I know many are frustrated with the board’s steps in the past two years. Four, you can be a part of history. We could elect the first black, female governor in United States history.

The listed four reasons are suggestions, but I believe everyone should take them seriously. We can change the way our state is run. Vote for Stacey Abrams, Sarah Riggs Amico, John Barrow, Charlie Bailey, Fred Swann, Janice Laws, Otha Thornton, Richard Keatley, Lindy Miller, Dawn Randolph and Francys Johnson.

And yes, your vote does matter.