Another campaign season has come and gone without significant attention paid to college students. After students in the 1960s created a reputation as an important political force, their children’s generation our generation has been marked by widespread apathy to the political process.

Registered voters should make their choices at the polls today. But for our entire generation and a political culture that has ceased to recognize us as a significant concern, today marks day one of what should be a process to remobilize and re-engage. Both college students and politicians are at fault. Both sides have work to do.

This year’s political season was once again marked by increased campaign negativity, as Democrat Shannon O’Brien and Republican Mitt Romney attempted to point out their relatively scarce differences. But students and politicians alike should hope that this campaign marks a low point. Negative campaigns are the least engaging and politicians are unlikely to draw first-time political participants into the fray with constant attacks.

For politicians, college students represent a huge potential voting bloc, especially in the Boston area. Students can provide invaluable support during arduous political campaigns and help in achieving policy goals. For college students, participation in the political system is an opportunity to create a society that pays attention to the needs of all age groups. Remember, if you do not participate, you have no right to complain.

After a disappointing campaign season, it is up to both students and politicians to reach out to each other. Each side can benefit from a more active generation of college students.