Letter to the students
I serve as one of two student voices on the Arizona Board of Regents. Today, I am writing to stress the importance of voting in the midterm elections, which carry a great deal of weight. Arizona and our Arizona public university system recently endured historic budget insufficiencies. As a university student and member of the Board of Regents, I witness first–hand the labor and efforts our Regents put forth to ensure that an affordable and quality higher education enterprise is accessible. Now more than ever, Arizonans must also understand the importance of higher education and the fundamental impact it has on recovering our state’s economy and future. This is the opportunity to communicate to our leaders in government that Arizona’s citizens prioritize education and that they should do the same. As you go to the polls on Tuesday, several political issues may contribute to your decision of who will serve and represent our state. Understanding that, I ask that you keep higher education as a frontrunner among those issues. As products of our university system, it is time to educate our state on the importance of protecting and supporting its future. In 2008, students showed up to vote in record numbers; I have no doubt that 2010 can bring a record turnout for students in a midterm election. Regardless of how you vote this Nov. 2, just vote.
William Holmes
Student Regent, Arizona Board of Regents
