At this time next week, Massachusetts will have a new leader at its helm.

Whether we will have Governor Charlie Baker or Governor Martha Coakley, students have the opportunity to make a huge impact.

Think back to 2008. President Barack Obama received a large percentage of votes from students and young people, helping to catapult him into victory.

Students are often considered some of the most opinionated people. Why not take that energy, get informed, and vote next Tuesday?

Though you’re only at Suffolk for four years, the person in charge of the state during that time can have a major influence on your experience in Boston.

Feel that the state shouldn’t have casinos? You have the power to weigh in on that. Don’t want to pay the extra cents for water bottles? The power is in your hands.

Stand up for what you believe in. But also, be open-minded. Listen to every candidate and hear what he or she stands for. Broaden your horizons.

Because you go to Suffolk, you have an extra leg up, too. Our university has one of the most popular polling centers of the moment. You have access to up-to-date polls all the time. Listen to what David Paleologos and the Political Research Center have to say.

Do everything in your power to vote on Tuesday, even if that means waking up an extra hour early to stand in line to cast your ballot.

Some people think not voting is like rebelling. Instead, you’re just opening up the opportunity to be led by a party you don’t agree with.

Not from Massachusetts? No worries. Living in the dorms or your apartment count as living in Boston and makes you eligible to vote in the state. Though the deadline has already passed for next week’s election, you should register in order to vote in the future.

Live in the state but want to stay registered in your home town? Ask for an absentee ballot.

Be knowledgeable. Be opinionated. Take a stance. Make students everywhere proud and cast a ballot on Tuesday.