In response to Kim Tranell's senior column on Wednesday ("Don't be mistaken: Casting ballot can exorcise biggest personal regret," April 28):

I appreciate the honesty portrayed in this column. It is not laden with political bias, it gets a clear-cut point across, and it's backed by a real personal story. I, too, feel that, regardless of your political leanings, everyone of age should vote in any election he or she can. Voting is a freedom that most Americans seem to take for granted, and we forget that many people don't have the opportunity to choose who rules over them in other countries. College students specifically are one of the most underrepresented demographics in the realm of politics, and that is truly sad. It is these years of our lives that tie together everything we have worked for to this point. Why wouldn't you vote? The politicians that run this country don't pay attention to college students specifically because they don't vote in elections.

I, for one, will vote in the upcoming election, because I want to make sure the government's actions today reflect what I want for the rest of my college career and my professional life. And if you're an out-of-state student like me, don't forget to register absentee when you go home for the summer.

You will be glad you took the time to participate in one of the fundamental institutions of our country.