Without P. Diddy marketing a “Vote or Die” fashion line, students might not remember… Without P. Diddy marketing a “Vote or Die” fashion line, students might not remember election day. It’s the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November. In other words: today. Assuming you have already finished collecting your autumn harvest, you should go out to vote, especially if casting a ballot for anyone other than Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

Voting is important, but don’t worry, this is not a lesson in civic duty. Students have so much difficulty in voting — between re-registering at a new address and skipping class to vote — that no guilt trip based on Madison’s American vision will goad anyone to the polls.

Rather, self-interest should drive students to vote in this local election. There are many potential consequences and benefits for students. Many local elections are taking place, and the mayoral race promises to greatly affect students (see candidate profiles here).

Casting a vote is not as inconvenient or ineffective as it might feel. Polls will be set up across the campus, including highly trafficked areas like Posvar Hall. Try to get out of class by appealing to your professors’ sense of electoral responsibility. If that doesn’t work, just grab a coffee and get ready to shape the future.

Unlike national elections, your vote will actually matter. Of course, every vote counts, but a smaller electorate turns out in local elections, making each ballot cast much more influential.

A large student voting bloc could sway the election of the leaders who decide policy that directly applies to student lives. That is why students should vote against Ravenstahl.

He has shown a perpetual disregard for student interests. He is counting on voter apathy in the college demographic because his policies hurt students.

Ravenstahl’s current tax proposal includes a $50 fee on all college students per semester. That adds up to $400 for the average baccalaureate degree and more if attending graduate school. And don’t get the H1N1 virus or alcohol poisoning, because Ravenstahl proposed taxes on hospital bills, as well.

So look at it like this: If you wait in a voting line for 60 minutes and your ballot for independent candidate Kevin Acklin or Franco “Dok” Harris helps unseat Ravenstahl, you just made at least $400 per hour.

Ravenstahl pulled out of a Pitt Student Government Board-sponsored mayoral debate while Acklin and Harris valued student opinion by showing up. Nick Trainer, SGB governmental relations committee chairman, said that the mayor “unconfirmed” because of a “busy schedule.”

Ravenstahl felt that one hour spent talking to students was too much. This shows a true disregard to the Pitt community.

His office has repeatedly ignored inquiries from this newspaper about consultant John Verbanac and G-20 Summit proceedings. He faces allegations of corruption regarding Verbanac, and he has not reached out to repair the city-college relationship in the aftermath of police aggression at the G-20. If that’s not enough, Ravenstahl is using a recycled Larry the Cable Guy catchphrase as his campaign slogan: “Getting It Done.”

You have the chance to vote against Ravenstahl twice because he is running as both the Democratic and Republican candidate. This strategy allows catching extra votes from people pulling straight-party ballots. It’s slimy.

Today, students can vote for something better. Neither Acklin nor Harris have emerged as awe-inspiring candidates, but they offer an opportunity for a fresh start with a more caring city executive. A strong student constituency could prevent representatives from drafting more punitive policies targeting Oakland, such as increased open-container fines and a ban on porch couches.

A voting bloc like that could make a positive impact. Students need the city to crack down on slumlords and to provide more accessible parking for permit holders.

These possibilities can only happen if enough students participate in the election today. Get it done. Get Ravenstahl out.