Our Opinion: Students need to have a hand in voting for Student Government officials who will lead us through next year.
Student Government elections are Tuesday and candidates are scrambling to get their names out.
Though the candidates have not been as present while campaigning as candidates from past years, they have been working to get student feedback and come up with platforms. As a voter, it is important to be prepared for elections and perform preliminary research to understand what each candidate stands for.
All candidates for student body president have Web sites with their platforms. Understand what their platforms are and be sure to hold candidates accountable for what they promise and give feedback if and when elected.
In past years, commitment has been a problem with some Student Government officers.
Be sure the candidates you choose are dedicated and willing to stay in the office and are committed to Student Government and the student body. The last two Student Government treasurers resigned before their terms expired. Vote for the candidates you believe are determined and strong-willed enough to stick through tough times, especially because money will be tight next year with a $36 million budget cut which will undoubtedly hurt Student Government.
Also, be open to the option of voting for leaders who may not have been in Student Government for too long. Student Government is different than another organization in that experience is not necessarily integral to being an effective leader because the Student Government officials lead all students at the University, not exclusively those in Student Government.
Though experience in Student Government is helpful to understanding the inner workings of the organization, making sure that a candidate is committed to serving all students is important and not just willing to serve those in Student Government. Student Government officials should be willing to work closely with other student organizations.
Be sure to research more than just the student body president candidates. Take the senator vote seriously because they represent each college, and each college can hold them accountable, so having qualified and committed senators is essential to communication and leadership within each college. Senators have an immense effect on the colleges and serve as a liaison between college administration and students.
Also, don’t be hesitant to write names in for those who are more qualified than the candidates, even for those uncontested.
Most importantly, vote Tuesday. This is students’ opportunity to affect the University’s leadership. Taking part in this election is essential not only to next year but will serve as a foundation for years to come.
