Six hundred and four votes. Three days and only 604 votes. Out of 10,000 students, only 604 of them made their ways to the polls last week to vote in the Student Senate elections. That averages about 201 votes per day.
Does our student body know the power it has? As part of UW-Eau Claire, we have the right to choose who will govern our student body. The president and vice president represent the students and act as a medium to the university administration. But how can we say we honestly picked the right people to lead us in 2007-2008?
Only 604 people voiced an opinion. Not to mention, only 604 students chose the members of their student government.
Perhaps it’s a lack of motivation. Perhaps it’s ignorance. Perhaps it’s a lack of interested candidates on the ballot. Whatever it is, it shouldn’t and can’t happen again. After all, what’s the point of voting? What’s the point of having an opinion?
While I’m not trying to place blame on anyone or anything in particular, the minimal voter turnout could be a result of many things. As an average student, I wasn’t exactly sure what Student Senate was responsible for. I figured they simply acted like a high school organization and planned university events, discussed better meal plan options and played a part in replacing administration.
Now, I understand that our Senate is more than the Viennese Ball planning committee. It is integral in determining the allocation of $2.5 million of our student spending. In addition, there is another $2.5 million reserved for information and technology services and differential tuition. Wouldn’t it be beneficial to us as a student body to put senators in place who have a working knowledge of the allocation process? It would be more than beneficial to have a leader who understands an organization’s needs and our personal opinions about the university.
I would imagine being an executive leader is a big deal and carries quite the weight. That is why our opinions matter come election time.
Some might say it was an odd time of year for elections and motivating students is difficult right before spring break. After all, the calendar says March, not November. Let me pose this question: haven’t we had Senate elections at this time every year?
The only valid reason I can think of for why only 6 percent of students voted is that there was only one ticket.
Perhaps the common notion was that if there was only one ticket, it would be pointless to vote. In any case, the hopefuls would win by default. Furthermore, there was more on the ballot than just the president and vice president. It is our right and privilege
as students here to elect the new
leadership.
This isn’t a condemnation of those who did not vote, but more of a plea – a plea to become more educated on your student government and why it deserves your attention. Those 604 votes are not enough.
Green is a junior public relations major and advertising manager of The Spectator.
