In response to Leila Rodriguez's column, "Voting ensures citizens' voices are heard by public officials," Feb. 10, it is important to point out that a vital part of her argument is flawed.

While I agree that more people should vote, and that voting is essential to making democracy work, I disagree that all citizens should go out and vote. An uneducated vote is worse than no vote at all. Young adults are incredibly susceptible to jumping on the bandwagon and determining their views based on those of influential people in their lives or the popular media. Rodriguez's message should encourage all individuals to become educated about candidates and issues, to take advantage of opportunities such as open forums to hear public officials speak and then vote based on who they believe would best represent their interests.