When the sun rises over Chicago on Nov. 5, we, as a country, will have elected a new president-the 44th president of the United States.

No matter what the outcome, who wins the race to the White House, the results of this election are monumental. This election has reinvigorated passion and patriotism for our great country in a way we haven’t seen since the days of President John F. Kennedy.

It is projected that the number of young voters will break records this election. According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, more than 6.5 million voters under the age of 30 cast their ballots in the 2008 primaries. That represents a 17 percent increase since the 2000 presidential election, which also turned out a record number of young voters.

Young people across America have come out in droves to show they care about this election. They are writing songs, attending rallies, engaging in debates and volunteering for campaigns. They are engaged, informed about the issues and enthusiastic about the outcome. For this, we should all be very proud. The under-30 crowd is finally getting some recognition for letting their voices be heard.

The passion for this election has been electrifying, but it is important that we don’t let it end when election night is over and our new commander-in-chief is decided. Now that young people have shown their spark and passion, they need to continue to show their commitment.

We all know this is an especially historic election. We have been hearing that for a while now. But we should all remember that every election is historic, and we cannot let our enthusiasm fade. This election has helped to knock down barriers and open up doors that 40 years ago no one would have imagined

possible.

Through our voices, our excitement and our engagement, we have been involved in creating even more possibilities for generations to come. The world of presidential politics is no longer limited to white men. It is now, as it should have been before, open to anyone-men and women of all races and creeds-ready for the job of leading our country.

We have finally started a dialogue in this country and although at points it has been uncomfortable, it is long overdue. As we walk away from the polls and wake up on Wednesday morning, we need to commit not only to supporting our new commander-in-chief, but we must also continue to keep the dialogue going.

Election night is going to be filled with emotion and excitement. Get out there and enjoy history in the making. No matter who wins, it is a night worthy of celebration for the passion we have sparked and the change we have made.