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A proactive community produces change. But without proper opportunities, such transformations won’t happen.

The New York Times declared the “Millennial Generation,” those born between 1982 and 2002, the factor in this year’s midterm election.

Because of a crippling recession and a small job market, young voters are now in a “toss-up” as party loyalties begin to wane from the left, causing the public to wonder where our allegiances will fall. Pundits claim we will fall in rank with other disgruntled voters, but local GOP leaders have already hindered the chances for this generation to make that difference.

Hoosier students, along with other student organizations across the country, flexed their muscles in the 2008 presidential election.

Voter turnout in this demographic helped determine the outcome of the presidency with a 62 to 30 percent margin over the Republican Party. More than 4,400 IU students took advantage of this opportunity to cast their ballot at early voting satellites because of the convenience and familiarity on campus.

The same opportunities would be here this year had the voting resources IU students counted on not been eliminated. Instead of receiving praise for our activism, local leaders believe 2008 was a fluke, calling it “the 100 year flood.” Our voting sources are now leveed to strict measures for future elections because one person chose to only see party boundaries.

For years, government officials have tried to pique youth interest, but once the right saw the kids go left, our credibility was leveled at first chance. Now, instead of a convenient period to vote early, IU students are on their own to find their polling site.

Early voting on campus gave a sense of familiarity, but now we’ve been allotted a 12-hour time frame to find our precinct on Google Maps.

When the polls are closed, far more students will have lost their chance to become involved than in 2008, and some leaders in Monroe County will have gotten their way.

“You’re the future” and “tomorrow’s leaders” are campaign nudges from candidates that are being challenged right before our very eyes. The moment we found out that what we want can happen, those in opposition of our choice took it into their own hands, showing us the light of their ways.

This isn’t about us and it will never be. We are more concerned about our country’s future than which political party is in power.

The piece from the New York Times was right. We are poised to make a difference once again in a national election. Party lines do not matter to us. Our concerns are more on progress than what side we stand in the political spectrum. But in order for this to happen, students need more opportunity during the election year.

Cutting off satellite polling sites, which have proved to be successful, is not the right move for the city of Bloomington. The community prides itself on providing residents, students and visitors the chance for success. This cannot occur if some community leaders choose to stray away from what’s the best moral decision for a politically active community. It’s a grim reality.

The Monroe County Election Board made their decision last week, and now it’s time for the students to make a stand. Whether you’re a screaming liberal or a Sperry-wearing Republican, we need to stand up for our voting rights.     

At 4:15 p.m. Sept. 14, Students for Access of Voting Early (SAVE) will have a rally for anyone who wants to show their disapproval for the measure. We are also urging students to contact the Monroe County Election Board. The more letters or phone calls the board receives, the greater chance this decision could be overturned. And in order for this generation to contribute, all opportunities must be available.