To the Editors:

Should Oberlin college students register and vote here in Oberlin? Of course. Should they vote for local candidates and local issues? Well, yes and no. It certainly is their right to do so but exercising that right may or may not be ethical. Here are some ways to judge. Ask yourself:

1. Am I well informed about the candidates and the issues? Do I understand the arguments for and against?
2. Am I voting with convictions or on a whim?
3. Are my motives in my vote honorable, truly exercising my citizenship? Or am I allowing myself to be manipulated? Am I voting for someone or something that I believe could produce mischievous results?
4. Do I have the right to impose a decision on the residents of Oberlin the effects of which, good or bad, will be felt by them but not by me?

Oberlin will soon elect seven people to its city council. Some of these are current council members whose behaviors and positions are well known. Some of them are already campaigning among you. If you do plan to vote, learn about these incumbents in particular. Be skeptical! Talk to residents of the town, to faculty who live in Oberlin and to alumni in the area.

If you cannot do this, do listen to your ethical voice, and vote only on what you sincerely believe you understand.