Should “transient” college students help decide the future of their (temporary) home city? I say yes, definitely, and thank them for their energy and involvement.

The college student population is neither homogeneous nor politically unchanging, but Bates College students are always a vital part of Lewiston, and their ideas and desires matter.

Besides, elections and student bodies are both on a four-year cycle. And four years qualifies as long-term residency in many U.S. towns and cities in these transient times.

Shouldn’t young people be encouraged to vote, who often turn out in low numbers and are then accused of being “apathetic”? They are the future of democracy.

Sheila Leavitt, Newton, Mass.

Copy the Story Link