As the nation gears up for the climax of a long presidential campaign, it seems that a university campus would be alive with political fervor and passionate debate.

But thus far at TCU, the political voice seems to have been held to a whisper at best.

Where are all the bumper stickers? T-shirts, buttons and car decals are rarely seen. And yard signs, rallies and debate-watching parties have been kept to a minimum.

It’s time for students to step up. Throughout the primary season young voters boasted high registration and more interest in politics than has been seen in any recent election. These sentiments need to be followed through to November. Young people registering to vote is a good step, but if it’s not followed by a visit to the polls, its merit is erased.

Thursday’s vice presidential debate should have brought hordes of students together to cheer and boo as the candidates explained their policies and opinions. But instead, one watching party at Milton Daniel Hall brought a mere 15 or 20 students, with many leaving before the debate was over.

It can only be hoped that the rest of the students were watching elsewhere.

This election season on campus doesn’t have to be about choosing a ticket, but it should be about gathering the facts and making informed decisions.

Students are surrounded by a plethora of resources and a faculty full of experts. With one month left before election day, whether students choose a candidate or choose an issue, they should all choose to be informed. The leaders of today will be making decisions that impact the lives of young people for years to come.

Editor-in-chief Bailey Shiffler for the editorial board.