The presidential race is finally coming to us. On March 20, Illinois will hold the GOP primary. Illinois’ influence is usually diminished in the primaries because it falls after Super Tuesday, the day when a large chunk of delegates have already determined the trajectory of the race. But this year, it’s not over just yet.

With Rick Santorum racking up late wins — which may not be enough to catch him up with Mitt Romney but certainly gives Santorum momentum — the GOP primaries are shaping up to be an interesting battle, one that students should participate in.

Illinois holds what is called a semi-closed primary, a ballot that independents can cast but registered Democrats cannot. Unfortunately for those who are allowed to participate in this primary and are registered in Champaign, the primary falls during spring break, and most of us will be going home. Nevertheless, it is important to take the primaries seriously, and if you can vote, to plan accordingly.

Like local elections, primaries are often discounted as unimportant because they are not part of the big federal election cycle in the fall. But primaries have just as much an effect on citizens, and perhaps a more direct one than the national election. It is true, certainly, that the push to get students registered and voting is much less noticeable — if present at all — during the smaller races. It is not necessarily the fault of students that registration and voting happen at lower rates during these times. But it is important, as students and citizens, to think about the implications of being informed and on top of things, even if there isn’t a flyer in your face reminding you to do so.

Circumstances, such as missing the registration deadline or being a registered Democrat, may prevent you from voting in the upcoming Illinois GOP primary, but even so, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the impact of letting your voice be heard at every opportunity you have and not just once every four years.