The presidential race is heading into the home stretch. The third debate is finished and the candidates, Republican George Bush and Democrat A1 Gore, are hitting the road on city to city tours for their campaign.
The third debate in St. Louis was considered the liveliest of the three. The two candidates squared off on everything from welfare reform to the recent international happenings in Yugoslavia and the Middle East.
   Our two main candidates have dug in their heels and are going full speed ahead in preparation for the Nov. 7 election. Al Gore has been vice president for the last eight years under President Bill Clinton. George Bush has made his name by being the governor of Texas and being the son of former President George Bush Sr. Both candidates are on opposing sides on a large amount of issues. While Gore is pro-choice on the abortion issue, Bush is pro-life.
   As the road to the White House is being decided, the question now is how are the people going to vote and why? Leydi Espinal (freshman-information sciences and technology) said, "I really like the idea that Gore is willing to get more money for public schools and it seems he really wants to help the lower class. As a woman, I agree with his stand of pro-choice. I think women should have the right to choose. He's got my vote." When asked why she wouldn't vote for Bush, Ms. Espinal smiled and said, "I remember the last Bush that was in the White House."
   Some have taken alternative routes to voting in the elections this year. "When the time comes, I've decided to vote against Gore," said Dr. Margaret L. Signorella, psychology professor and acting director of academic affairs. "I'm either going to vote for George Bush or (third-party candidate) Ralph Nader." When asked why, she responded, "I believe there should be a change of administration. Generally, Clinton soured my position on the Democratic Party."
   Some students have a low opinion on both candidates. "I don't like either of them," said Dan Machen (sophomore communications). "They both seem generic to me."
   Yahoo.com news reported that only one of every three eligible voters, age 18 25, vote. A lot of young Americans think their voices fall on deaf ears when it comes to the candidates. What can the candidates do to reverse this? Ms. Espinal said this is the advice she would give to the candidates if she could talk to then now: "Pay more attention to us because by giving us more attention you'll show our voice doesn't fall on deaf ears and that are voice does count in this country. That will get us more interested in voting.''
  With election results just around the corner, the people are left with a choice of which person they want to represent the United States for the next four years. The sides have been taken and the lines drawn. On November 7, will you be at the polls?