Today is St. Patrick’s Day. Parades, green beer and leprechauns remind us of the yearly tradition. But March 17 is much more significant this year the primary elections.

Today is a chance for the public to choose those candidates they would like to see compete for state and national positions in the November general election. The offices of governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general all are up for election. Congressional seats and many offices such as county board and sheriff also are going to change this year. There even are referendums on many of the ballots for people to decide whether or not they want certain projects or changes.

Instead of waiting until November and complaining about voting for the lesser of two evils, people now have the chance to help choose who will be on the ballot in the fall. Everyone should be able to find 10 or 15 minutes to get out and vote.

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Now is the time for students to start developing a habit of participating in government. People were given the privilege to vote at 18. Now is the time when they can begin to get into a routine and reverse the trend suggesting young people do not vote. Prove the pundits wrong by showing students are not apathetic.

Just because a person is a student does not mean he or she does not have a voice. Unlike the Board of Trustees, state officials are elected, not appointed. This makes them accountable to their constituents, so a vote is worthwhile. If we do not like what an official is doing, we elect them out of office.

Just because a person failed to register does not mean they cannot vote entirely.

Those who may have moved but failed to change their address can still vote in the federal elections at their previous precinct. Those who are not registered at all can still vote on referendums in their area. Those who failed to register the required 30 days before the election should take the time to go to their county clerk and register before the November election arrives.