Steve Boneck's column ("Despite not being Iowa or N.H. citizen, student votes really do count," Jan. 28) raises a significant issue in modern American politics: voter apathy.

In the past, history has shown us that lack of participation on the part of the citizenry can lead to the dissolution of the most cherished of virtues: our democracy. Since ours is a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people," the people are essential to its survival. The election is the best forum for us to make known our views to our leaders. The Roman proverb, "Vox populi vox dei," emphasizes the timeless belief that the voice of the people is the voice of God.

The institution of the university has existed as the training ground for the leaders of tomorrow. How unfortunate that the great majority of us, oblivious of the role destiny has chosen for us, shirk our moral duty to mold the society around us, by casting our ballots.