Students here will have their first opportunities to participate in state and national elections on May 8 when the Indiana primary takes place.

A primary election is a preliminary vote used to determine which candidate will receive the official nomination of his or her party for a general election.

Because President Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee for president, only nominees for the Republican party will run in this year’s presidential primaries. However, both Democratic and Republican candidates will be running in state elections.

Voting-age students  here have varied opinions toward the opportunity to vote.

Senior Mitchell “Mitch” Stickford said he will be participating in the primary.

“Yes, I will definitely be voting,” Stickford said. “I want to express my rights as an American citizen. It is fun to have a say in what goes on in America these days. Since I’m of voting age, I think it’s sort of my duty to follow politics a little and make my own educated decision instead of just voting for the same people my parents are. However, I will more be voting because I want to use my rights rather than because I’m an avid follower of politics.”

John R. Hammond III, Republican Party Chairman of the 7th Congressional District Committee, said he encourages all students to get involved with politics in their youth.

Hammond is a volunteer on behalf of several Republican campaigns including the Romney for President effort in Indiana, but his participation in politics started when he was younger.

“My involvement dates back to my high school days when I assisted my parents in local get-out-the-vote efforts in our community,” Hammond said. “I have been involved in statewide Republican campaigns ever since.”

Unlike Stickford and Hammond, however, senior Emily Garman said she will not participate in the primary this year.

“I am not registered to vote, which is my first issue,” Garman said. “I am also not really involved in politics. I usually do not really pay attention to what is going with the election, but now I wish I had gotten involved earlier.”

According to Garman, she plans to vote in the next election, which will be in 2016.

“Next election, I will definitely try to get more involved. I understand that a part of being a citizen of the United States is voting. I regret now that I did not register; I guess now I don’t really have a say in politics at all,” said Garman.

Hammond said he has advice for students who plan on voting in the upcoming primary.

“The most important thing is to actually show up and vote if you are 18 years old and voting for the first time. You will find it to be exciting and a point of real civic pride once you cast your ballot officially for the first time. You can make a real difference in your community, state and nation by making sure you cast your vote and have your voice heard. Our republic will only endure if we, the people, participate in an active and engaged way in the electoral process,” Hammond said. “If you are eligible to vote, do it.”