Well, folks, it is that time of year again — the  seemingly unending barrage of political ads, campaign phone calls, yard signs and informational walk cards flooding mailboxes everywhere.

The general elections are right around the corner and this year is making a mark on the history books.

With the 2014 election season involving hot races between senators, representatives, county commissioners and, in Kansas, blockbuster races between Secretary of State candidates and Gubernatorial candidates, this election is definitely one to be involved with.

Trouble is, not everyone is going to be able to be involved — and some are willingly choosing to not be involved.

Let’s take a look at one of the hottest issues of the upcoming elections here in Kansas — the issue of voter rights and registration.

According to an article published in the Oct. 16 issue of the New York Times, titled “Kris Kobach Pushed Kansas to the Right. Now Kansas Is Pushing Back.” there are more than 22,000 voters in Kansas who are unable to vote due to suspended voter identification.

With this, I only have one question for students who are choosing not to vote this election season: why?

If there are 22,000 potential voters here in Kansas who are unable to go out and perform their civic duty due to circumstances out of their control, and you have the opportunity to vote, why don’t you?

Although voter registration and ID issues comprise some of the main debates of this election season, basing one of the hardest-hitting battles between incumbent Secretary of State Kris Kobach and his Democratic challenger Jean Schodorf, there are other battles to be fought this election — such as funding for the K-12 education sector, debates over Medicaid funding and levels of taxation, with Wichita residents being asked a simple “yes or no.”

If you have any opinions on whether or not your community could be improved by changes to any of these categories but are choosing not to vote in the elections on Tuesday, why don’t you?

Now, if you have restrictions that prevent you from voting, such as a voter registration issue, I could better see the reason why you are not voting.

However, if you simply do not believe that you have a say in the community around you, think again — you have a say by voting for candidates that represent the beliefs you hold.

In order to properly send off your ballot, don’t just vote for candidates that your family votes for, your teachers vote for or your friends vote for — vote for candidates that hold similar beliefs as you.

Don’t just vote for the candidates that have signs and materials plastered throughout your neighborhood, vote for the candidates that look like individuals you would like to see creating the rules and regulations you live by.

Although there are many ways to become involved with your community, the act of voting may possibly be the most important one — would you like to see sales tax raised and better infrastructure installed or would you prefer to have taxes stay the same (and old infrastructure unchanged)?

 Would you like to see a higher minimum wage? Are you strongly for or against a social issue that always comes up in conversation?

If any of these match you, grab your computer, a newspaper or a politically-minded colleague and educate yourself so that you are prepared to go to the polls and have say in the future of your home.

This year, there is too much at stake to sit on the sidelines and let the future of Kansas be decided without the opinions of Kansas residents who are eligible to vote.

Besides, some who want to vote are unable to do so — don’t let your vote be wasted because of silly excuses.

Go be a part of your community and cast an educated ballot  on Tuesday — you may be surprised at how important it is.