Each election, Minnesota outperforms any other state in voter turnout. This November, we believe voters should be educated on all issues before heading to the polls.

Many media stories have been written about our student-led legislative initiative to eliminate Minnesota's legislative immunity privilege. During this past legislative session, we were thrilled that the Minnesota House of Representatives voted to pass our bill (authored by Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley) that would eliminate legislators' immunity from arrest for impaired driving and other misdemeanors.

Unfortunately, the Senate failed to do the same.

Within weeks of the House vote, Attorney General Lori Swanson issued an official legal opinion agreeing that we must legislatively act to clarify the meaning of legislative immunity in Minnesota. In May, we were energized that Secretary of State Mark Ritchie announced that his office would stop printing lawmakers' so-called "get-out-of-jail-free cards." At the close of the year, Ritchie is retiring, and unfortunately, we are back to square one.

It is true that Article 4, Section 10, of the Minnesota Constitution reads: "The members of each House in all cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace, shall be privileged from arrest during the session of their respective houses." Back in 1857, when the Constitution was written, this provision was put in place to prevent legislators from being dishonestly arrested and prosecuted so their opponents could win a particular vote.

Today, there hasn't been a Minnesota court case overturning this privilege, and its elimination is necessary.

Let's face it, there aren't many issues on which nearly 100 percent of Minnesotans agree — besides this one and Tater Tot hot dish as a favorite meal. From Warroad to Winona, everyday Minnesotans are in agreement that this perk is ludicrous — except for a very small group of powerful legislators. Concordia University students have worn out pairs of tennis shoes going door-to-door at the State Capitol.

When going to the polls this November, legislative immunity should have an impact on your vote.

Minnesota politicians love to come door-knocking. We challenge you to strike up a conversation about legislative immunity and see where the auger hits frozen water. We encourage you to ask candidates for their opinion on legislative immunity and whether the "get-out-of-jail-free card" will return.

Don't worry about us; we are already gearing up for our third year at the Capitol. They say third time's the charm, right?

The writers are students at Concordia University in St. Paul.