If You Don't Vote, Who Will?

Elections for the executive council and academic senate of Associated Students of Utah State University kicked off Wednesday, March 1, with a presidential debate in the TSC’s Juniper Lounge.

ASUSU is a student organization that represents and advocates for all students at Utah State University. The organization promotes academic excellence, encourages the student body to be actively involved and represents student concerns to campus administrators and faculty.

 

According to Tiffany Evans, director of the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, getting involved provides students with a holistic collegiate experience. It supplements their classroom education and allows them to apply what they are learning, while developing interpersonal and leadership skills.

 

“That’s the wonderful thing about Utah State,” said Evans, “the students are involved. They provide great insight and they have an impact on the decisions that are made.”

 

The body was created in 1969 as a liaison between students and administrators. This year, there are 35 primary candidates campaigning for various positions on the 2006-2007 executive council and academic senate. Each candidate’s platform can be accessed on ASUSU’s Web site.

 

“I challenge students to take an active role in this year’s election,” said Holly Scott, ASUSU public relations director. “Talk to the candidates, read their platforms and decide who you think will represent you best.”

 

Evans said students should realize it is their responsibility to get involved with elections and to make an informed decision. The students elected will make decisions that affect campus life, she said.

 

“In good times and in bad, these are the students who will represent them,” said Evans.

 

Primary voting begins Wednesday, March 1, and runs through 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3. Final voting begins Monday, March 6, and runs through 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8. Students can vote on the ASUSU Web site.

 

“Voting is so simple,” said Scott. “Log on, select your candidate and submit. If you don’t vote, who will?”