WIN has been knocking on doors and setting up neighborhood voter registration centers in an attempt to sign up 1000 new voters in the Lansing area. "This is one of the most important elections in our history," said Brant Johnson of WQHH. "We can't afford to sit this one out. We've got to get registered and vote."

"Our vote is our voice in the political process," said Ernie Boone of BCFI. "If we don't register we can't vote. And if we can't vote, our voice won't be heard."

For those who are not up on the coming election, here are some things from both George W. Bush and John Kerry. Each candidate has traveled throughout the country stating things they would like to do to better America.

John Kerry is a United States senator from Massachusetts and the Democratic candidate for president. Kerry was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1982. Kerry graduated from Yale University in 1966 and joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He won the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. Kerry won enough primaries to assure himself of the Democratic nomination for 2004. Then he picked John Edwards as his running mate. Kerry was officially nominated at the Democratic convention on 28 July 2004.

He says achieving his goal to improve the Iraq problem will be difficult. That is the result of Bush actions following the attacks upon America September 11, 2001. He says that Bush invaded Iraq without the support of our major allies and has no plan to stabilize the country and bring U.S. troops home. Bush's actions, says Kerry, makes it difficult for us to do what is needed to accomplish our goals. Kerry says he is running for president to make America stronger at home and more respected in the world. He has a plan to restore the values that have always made America a leader in the world.

He also says he has a plan that will create good-paying jobs at home for the people of America. His plans also call for making health care a right for all Americans and to make this nation independent from Middle East oil. He also has a plan to modernize and strengthen America's military and lead a new era of alliances so young Americans are never put in harm's way because we insisted on going it alone. This is what Kerry says he would to do if he is elected president.

George W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States. He is the son of the former president, George Herbert Walker Bush. Bush attended Yale in 1968. He also served as a pilot for the Texas National Guard. He was elected governor of Texas in 1994 and 1998. Bush won the 2000 election. Dick Cheney is Bush's running mate.The Bush-Cheney team defeated Al Gore and Joseph Lieberman, the Democratic nominees. Bush is now running for a second term as president.

Since taking office, President Bush has signed into law what he describes as bold initiatives to improve public schools by raising standards, requiring accountability, and strengthening local control. He has signed tax relief that provided rebate checks and lower tax rates for everyone who pays income taxes in America. He says that he has increased pay and benefits for America's military and is working to save and strengthen Social Security and Medicare.

Bush says he seeks to, "usher in a responsibility era in America." He has called on all Americans to be, "citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens building communities of service and a nation of character." President Bush declared war against terrorism and has made victory in the war on terrorism and what he calls "the advance of human freedom," the priorities of his Administration.

The first debate between Bush and Kerry was held Thursday, September 30 at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. Others will be held Tuesday, October 5 at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH; Friday, October 8, Washington University, St. Louis, MO; and Wednesday, October 13, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.

WIN urges all eligible voters to register right away and vote on November 2.

Sherika Mitchell is a Sexton High School Junior and a participant in the Young Publishers Club sponsored by the Michigan Bulletin which meets at the Magic Johnson Foundation Creation Station located at the Black Child and Family Institute - 835 W. Genesee, Lansing MI.