Election time is here. This is it. We can’t avoid it any longer.

And that’s why we at The Signpost want to hit on two issues today: (1) Don’t forget to study up on local issues and candidates before you vote, and (2) please, for all that is holy, remember to represent our college-aged demographic , shut off Facebook, and go out and vote!

As we’re waiting in lines at libraries and county buildings to cast a vote, studying the candidates’ political platforms on our phones and looking up “provisional ballots” on Wikipedia, it can be easy to get distracted by the glitzy, glamorous presidential election and forget to make some important, more local decisions.

That isn’t to say the presidential election isn’t important, of course, though many would argue that, because of the Electoral College, it doesn’t much matter how they vote in the presidential race. But some of the most important votes we can cast happen in local races or on local issues.

For instance, in Davis County, two propositions on the ballot (Props 2 and 3) would allow the development and regulation of a new city center in West Layton. Supporters say this will boost Layton’s economy and housing market, creating new jobs in construction and in retail (once the stores go up), and create a healthy family community much like Salt Lake City’s Daybreak. Detractors say it will ruin the local farmland, lower property values, and increase traffic and crime rates.

Ultimately, this decision has a greater effect on citizens of Davis County than any issues brought up in the presidential elections, but it can be easy to miss it. Make sure to study the local candidates, and be informed and confident as you approach the polls.

And you had better approach the polls.

College students have a terrible reputation when it comes to voting. Everybody thinks we’re too busy talking about ourselves on Facebook to get out of the house and actually make a difference.

So, as Tuesday quickly approaches, please, please, PLEASE remember to vote. And then, make sure and GO VOTE.

Yes, even if you have a lot of homework.

Yes, even if you’re swamped at work.

Yes, even if Tuesday is your only day off this week and you really wanted to catch up on all those “Nashville” and “American Horror Story” episodes building up on your DVR.

Vote anyway.

VOTE!

We are very serious about this. According to CampusVote.org’s statistics about the 2010 elections, people aged 18-24 with college experience were almost twice as likely to vote as those without any college experience.

And if you think these elections aren’t going to affect you at this point in life, think again. These elections will affect how you pay for your schooling, who pays for your schooling, and how many jobs there might be when you get out of school.

So vote. Seriously. Go vote. Not just because it’s part of your civic duty, but because of the thousands of men and women who died or suffered to give you that right.

If you don’t know where to go to vote, go to www.vote.utah.gov, and you’ll be directed to your nearest polling station.

So, please, remember to vote. And then go vote. Vote! VOTE! Seriously, please. Go do it.