For a large portion of Nicholls students, Election Day on Nov. 4 will be the first presidential election in which they are able to vote. Such an important decision requires awareness and interest of important issues.

Four Nicholls students were asked questions about the upcoming election to gauge their political savvy and to find exactly who fell under the “informed voter” category.

Robert Dewees, English junior from Atlantic City, NJ, said he is planning to vote in the election this November.

“I’m still undecided for the most part,” Dewees says. “I’m leaning towards Obama. I support McCain on a lot of issues, but some of the fundamental ones I don’t support.”

Though not completely decided on a candidate, Dewees has a strong interest in several of the biggest issues facing voters in the 2008 election.

He shared a few which will play a part in his final decision.

“I think they have to do something with energy,” he says, “and I’m big on jobs. They have to do something about the unemployment and healthcare.”

Next to be questioned was business administration sophomore from Schriever, Brian Guidry.

“At this point, it’s McCain because he’s not quite as radical, I suppose,” Guidry says.

Guidry shared some of the issues important to his decision.

“Foreign policy, definitely – how ready they are to invade other countries,” he says.

Guidry shared where he stands on the political spectrum.

“I’m really more of a centralist. Libertarian is kind of where I’m at,” he said.

Zack Young, accounting senior from Luling was immediately enthusiastic about the election.

“I’m leaning toward John McCain just because he’s a little more conservative,” Young says.

Young says his biggest issue is energy alternatives.

Harold Enclarde, history senior from New Orleans said he is a Barack Obama supporter.

“I do support Barack Obama because he’s an African-American, but that’s not all the reasons,” Enclarde says. “One issue that’s controversial is the abortion issue. I guess I would say I’m pro-choice. I do believe people should have their own choice.”

Enclarde also mentioned the current state of the economy. He expressed his anger about the national debt, which is currently at $9.6 trillion, and rising.

“That’s ridiculous,” Enclarde says. “Lord help us.”

If the rest of Nicholls’ voters is as well informed as these students, the decision for president seems to be in good hands.