As the presidential debates draw near, it is time for voters on campus to focus on the issues each candidate represents in order to make an educated decision as they head for the polls. Unfortunately, in the debate's current state this cannot happen.

Recently, the Commission on Public Debates — composed of Republicans and Democrats — decided that candidates must reach 15 percent in the polls in order to be included in the debates. This arbitrary number has no historical basis, aside from the fact that it will likely exclude any and all third party candidates from participating.

Green Party candidate Ralph Nader will be on the ballot in virtually every state this November. Regardless of your political stance, Nader's inclusion in the debates will offer voters another option come November.

Polls show that 64 percent of Americans want to see Ralph Nader in the debates. His exclusion would truly be a disgrace to democracy. As citizens who have been afforded the opportunity to choose our nation's next leader, it is our duty to stop this travesty by calling the Commission on Presidential Debates at (202) 872-1020 and demand that Nader be allowed to participate.