In an outstanding show of apathy, a mere 2,600 students voted in the UPUA elections last week.

Despite the events that have unfolded since, Penn State students fail to realize that the political body that perhaps affects them most is the student government.

But in terms of other political elections, the numbers aren't much better.

If a student government affects students the most, coming in a close race for second, third and fourth are local, state and national governments.

Maybe some students don't think these governments affect them because they believe politicians don't care about the under-25 sector.

Maybe those students are right.

Why should a politician care about a group of people who do nothing to put he or she into office?

If students supported a local politician, that politician could turn around and pass legislation benefiting college students, like more state funding for this university.

Represent Penn State, a pro-active organization that spent a good part of this semester registering 1,200 students to vote, recognizes the potential of having politicians advocating for students, and the reality that the government affects every single person, every single day.

Maybe if UPUA had hired Represent Penn State to get the word out about the student government elections, more than 0.6 percent of the student population would have taken a stance. Students do have another chance to show they are willing to be an active citizen, though, when the polls open on Nov. 7.

Unfortunately, Represent Penn State cannot bring the actual polls to the students they register.

And while 1,200 is an admirable number of students reached, there are about 39,000 others that may or may not have taken the time to register to vote.

Take a cue from those not satisfied with all-too-present apathy this November and use the best tool citizens are given to make a change - vote.