We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, but now, time’s running out.

If you haven’t heard it enough from Christina Aguilera, Drew Barrymore and P. Diddy on MTV, the deadline to register to vote in most states is quickly approaching, and Illinois is no exception.

Tuesday is the final day for Illinois residents to register for the Nov. 2 election. As MTV’s “Choose or Lose” campaign says: “Get registered, or get left out.”

And getting left out would mean you did not fulfill your duty as an American citizen. It is our right and our responsibility to vote. As a nation at war, this year’s election could be the most important one of our lifetime.

Registering is an effortless task that can be done throughout DeKalb and NIU. On campus, students can register at the University Writing Center, the Student Association Office and the Holmes Student Center among others. In DeKalb, people can register at the DeKalb Municipal Building, village and township clerks, the Secretary of State office, most banks, public libraries and Kishwaukee College.

Now that the election is less than a month away, it’s also time to get serious about selecting your candidate. Organizations at NIU have sponsored election-related forums and discussions since the semester began, and other events will continue throughout the month.

If you aren’t familiar with President George W. Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry, get educated. Learn what they stand for and what they plan to do. Depending on who controls the Oval Office in January, major changes could be in store for America.

Every U.S. resident should have something to say about the future of our nation. Like Aguilera’s “Declare Yourself” campaign says: “only you can silence yourself.”

Don’t let it happen.