The dismal number of candidates and voters who took part in Skyline’s student government elections this year raises eyebrows, and, to put it mildly, is disappointing.
For example, why were only six candidates interested in 21 student government positions? Who are the candidates and how much do we know about these people? The answer? Not a lot. So then, how can we vote for people about which we know next to nothing?
In the event you were not paying attention to any of these shenanigans for valid or other reasons, this entire saga unfolded right under everybody’s nose. Alas, even with the enticingly free pastries and raffle tickets offered to those who voted, only about 350 of more than 8,000 Skyline students cast ballots.
So it seems our students will not be bribed with goodies. That’s honest, and somewhat inspiring. It is also slightly encouraging that the numbers suggest there has been a slight increase in awareness of the ASSC over last year. But where is all that potential voting power? And, more importantly, why are so many students profoundly disconnected from what is going on around them?
Let’s be honest. There are many unanswered questions, and low voter turnout is not unique to Skyline. Low turnout is an unfortunately common thing these days, both on and off campus.
But, since we’re referring to the democratic process, the more pertinent question is: how does a vote matter?
A vote matters as it is our direct statement to government officials letting them know our attentions are focused on their actions.
Consider taxes and the other miscellaneous fees that go to the government. Let us then apply it locally to the ASSC, which receives over $100,000 per year from Skyline students. Yes, that (optional) $8 student body fee does add up. The ASSC decides how to spend this money, just as government decides how to spend our taxes. For sure, much of it is spent on truly beneficial things. But the truth is, much of it is spent on items some students would not agree with.
The bottom line is, we have power over our student government and influence in how they conduct their business and spend our money. That power is gained through voting.
Low voter turnout sends officials a message saying we the people are not paying attention to what is going on. And, whether we like it or not, this interpretation tells our public officials that their decisions are not being watched by us.
Is this the message that voters intend to send? Like it or not, this is a real interpretation, and this is what happens when we don’t vote. As we all know, when the cat’s away, the mice will play.
When we don’t vote, we sacrifice our power and freedom by silencing ourselves. Consequently, we place our authority into the hands of a very few who will decide for us. Voting ensures we maintain that power and keep it in our hands.
The result of more involvement in the electoral process? We will likely see less egregious waste, less favoritism, less mismanagement, and less talking from both sides of the mouth. We’ll likely see higher efficiency and much more accountability.
Let us therefore amend this entire debacle. Let government know that we’re watching closely, by going out there and penning that ballot, both on and off campus. From now on, make your voices heard. Speak out loud. Get out and vote.