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Every four years when our nation engages in a presidential election, there's a heightened excitement about voting.

Our student neighbors at SUNY Oswego are participating in a project that encourages students not only to register and vote in this year's election, but also to become involved in the community. The college is one of nearly 200 campuses involved in the American Democracy Project, a nationwide effort to encourage college students to register to vote and take an active role in public life. Through this project, students are challenged to be informed decision-makers and to make a difference in their community through volunteer and charity work.

The college has a dramatic impact on Oswego County. Over 1,000 faculty and staff are employed full-time at SUNY Oswego, and 500 people more have part-time employment at the college. The resulting economic impact is vital to our county -- over $119 million annually. There are 8,500 students enrolled in classes at SUNY Oswego. I'm one of that number myself, as I work to complete undergraduate courses for a degree in public justice.

SUNY Oswego students' commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm are a valuable asset and we welcome their involvement in the life of our community. Groups are conducting voter registration drives on campus and students were not only watching but discussing last week's first presidential debate.

The process starts with voter registration for students and county residents alike. The Oswego County Board of Elections is the starting point for voter registration. Residents can register to vote by mail or in person. All in-person forms must be received by the County Board of Elections by Oct. 8. Mail-in registration forms must be postmarked by midnight Oct. 8 and received by the Board of Elections by Oct. 13.

There are several opportunities for people to register to vote. The board is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the County Office Building, 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego. In-person voter registration will also be held at the Board of Elections from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. Town offices and the cities of Oswego and Fulton will have special in-person registration from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, and from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9.

Voter registration forms are available at the Board of Elections as well as post offices, libraries and state agencies throughout the county. Internet users can download an application from the Oswego County website at www.oswegocounty.com

The democratic process is best served by informed and engaged citizens who make their voices heard. The narrow margin of the last presidential election should remind all of us that even one vote matters.