For a number of years, commentators have deplored the poor turnout of potential voters ages 18 through 29. Voters under age 30 will have to live with the results of this election for years to come. In response to the attacks of 9/11, President Bush chose to invade Iraq, a nation which had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks and had no weapons of mass destruction. In so doing, Bush has alienated our allies and diverted resources from the hunt for Osama bin Laden. Kerry has called for more cooperation with allies and a commitment to training Iraqi troops so that security can be maintained for reconstruction, and our troops are not bearing the burden of rebuilding Iraq.

Three or more Supreme Court justices could retire in the next four years. If Bush is re-elected, the judges he appoints could serve for decades. Since Bush has stated that he admires judges similar to Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, his appointments would overturn precedents to give rights to women and racial and sexual minorities, and to enforce environmental protection legislation.

Kerry has supported progressive legislation, and his judicial appointments would respect precedents in support of environmental protection and women's and minorities' rights.

Bush inherited budget surpluses and job creation, and has presided over record deficits and the worst record of job loss since the Great Depression. Bush has allowed lobbyists representing mining, chemical and oil companies to rewrite environmental legislation, leading to environmental degradation. Kerry has a strong environmental record, and would be in a position to reverse the environmental damage that Bush's policies have created.

Your vote is your chance to participate in determining America's future - don't waste it!