It was difficult to walk through campus Tuesday without someone running up to you and asking whether you voted. It was also difficult to look anywhere and not see the word “vote” chalked on the ground.

Volunteers were out in droves on campus, and from early reports, they were successful in turning out the youth vote.

Students – regardless of their political leanings – showed that our generation is not unmotivated toward the future of our country. And we think that says a lot.

For too long we’ve been characterized as a generation of apathy and inaction. This election, however, proved that we have a voice, and we demand that it be heard.

It was encouraging to see students take such a vested interest in this election. From the heated primaries to Election Day, you were all involved. Clad in Obama-Biden or McCain-Palin buttons, students weren’t shy about declaring for whom they planned to vote.

The College Democrats and College Republicans canvassed for their candidates, effectively presenting their messages to the campus community. Volunteers registered dozens of voters, and students even took their own time to drive people to the polls. Professors also took time from their lectures to discuss the campaign so students could make an educated decision come Election Day.

And it wasn’t just the students on this campus that showed a genuine interest in the future direction of our county. The university did its part as well.

For example, many out-of-state students encountered problems at the polls when they were notified a voter registration form wouldn’t suffice as verification of a student’s on-campus address.

However, the administration and some poll workers solved the problem once they realized an official letter from the university proves residence as well as any utility bill can. After a few phone calls, the Bursar’s Office stayed open until polls closed to provide the letter.

If it weren’t for quick thinking by poll workers and university officials, many students might have been shut out from performing their civic duty of casting a ballot.

But at the end of the day, it’s all about the voters. Regardless of whether you cast your vote for Barack Obama, John McCain or a third-party candidate, you made your voice heard. You participated in one of – if not – the most important elections in our nation’s history.

Voter turnout throughout the country was unprecedented. However, don’t let your involvement stop there. Stay engaged and don’t lose sight of the future of our nation.

We have a new president, but the fight is not over. We still have work to do despite whether you voted for the winning or losing ticket.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.