By Lisa Johnson
Utah Lt Gov. Gary Herbert encouraged greater civic responsibility and involvement among college-aged students when he spoke Wednesday in the Wilkinson Student Center Terrace.
?You?re smart, you?re young, you?re energetic, ? Herbert said. ?It?s important to get involved and to vote.?
In what he called his ?little words of wisdom,? the BYU alumnus told students that throughout their college years, they have the opportunity to be exposed to different ideas, to gain experience and to get involved.
Herbert said since the voting age was lowered to 18, the number of young-adult voters has significantly decreased.
Getting involved in the political process and government is a responsibility he said was an awesome and significant one.
Herbert said he never saw more patriotism in America than right after Sept. 11. Flags were flying and people sang ?The Star Spangled Banner? with more meaning, he said.
However, during the years following, this patriotism has drastically decreased.
?Our conservative, Happy Valley held elections last November and we only had a 37 percent voter turnout,? he said.
He compared the number of Utah voters to the turnout in Iraq during that country?s first democratic election where 60 percent of the people showed up to vote even though they risked their lives to do so.
?I end up asking myself ?Who is really worthy [to vote]??? Herbert said. ?I think we come up short in involvement in the political process.?
He said everyone can find a place where they can participate.
?Some may ask ?Why America? Why is America so great??? Herbert said. ?All I have to say is freedom works. It?s our responsibility to protect freedom and liberty.?
Joshua Worley, 19, from Gilbert, Ariz., who showed up to listen to the lieutenant governor said he agrees.
?College students need to be involved with the government and to know what is going on,? Worley said. ?Even if we aren?t Utah residents, we need to know what is happening in our community.?
After his speech, Herbert allowed students to ask questions. Students brought up issues dealing with taxes, transportation plans and student representation on city council.
Tristin Autrey, 18, from Chicago, said he appreciated Herbert coming to BYU.
?It gives the lieutenant governor a chance to interact with students and to hear what issues are important to them,? Autrey said. ?It also gives the students a chance to get involved.?
