For the first time in 20 years, the city of Boston will see a new mayor take office after next week’s election. The Journal is not in the business of endorsing political candidates so you will not see one for Marty Walsh or John Connolly here. What the Journal does endorse however, is participating in the voting process. In the 2012 presidential election, Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 made up 19 percent of all those who voted according to the early National Exit Poll by Edison Research.

That number is two percent higher than 18-29 year-olds who voted in the 2004 election. Electing the next president of the country is admittedly a bit more exciting than the mayor of the city you go to college in. That being said, regardless of what town or state you are registered in, it is important to vote.

If you are a freshman, Boston’s next mayor will affect at least the next three years of your life in one way or another. If you are a senior planning on staying in Boston after graduation, there is no telling how long Connolly or Walsh may affect your day-to-day living. Who knows, maybe one of these guys will allow Suffolk seniors and alumni to enjoy happy hour in the Hub someday, or extend the MBTA hours. One way or the other, Boston’s new mayor is going to bring some changes to Boston. Those changes will affect students as much as anyone else.

Sure, voting involves lines and, for some, changing where they are registered to vote. There are plenty of minor inconveniences that come with voting but they are worth enduring. Suffolk students who vote next week will be taking part in Boston history. Only 52 other men have ever held the same position that Mayor Thomas Menino is vacating. Politics are not everyone’s favorite cup of tea but voting for those who will govern you is worth taking the time to do.

Whether you plan to vote for Connolly or Walsh, or are going to write in Vermin Supreme, go vote. Even those who cast a joke ballot are at least making the effort to vote, which is more than 81 percent of 18-29 year-olds did during the last presidential election. Everyone has his or her own interest level in politics but voting is important and something all should try to do next week.