By: Jacob Roskelley
With goals set, the theme picked and elections quickly approaching, packets are now available for students wanting to run for positions on the Associated Students of Utah State University Executive Council.
The theme for this year's election is "we want you."
Students said they appreciate the annual elections because peer representation at the university is a necessity."
It's good to have someone like me out there who has a little bit of say," said Emma Frost, a senior majoring in fine arts.
But while students say they understand the importance of student government positions, voter turnout has been relatively low in recent years.
According to records kept by former election committee chairs, voter turnout has decreased over the past few years and so has the number of candidates running for office. Holly Scott, the ASUSU public relations director, said she hopes to reverse those trends.
Scott said the reason she hopes to increase voter turnout is because that would mean that "the students on campus are really having a say in who they want to be their voice." Another goal she has is to get candidates that are qualified and who will do a good job once in office, she said.
In order to reach these goals, Scott said she is planning on posting more signs and posters around campus to make students aware of elections. Making students aware of who is running, on the other hand, is up to the candidates themselves, she said. Scott hopes that candidates can help students realize the importance of the ASUSU Executive Council.
"The Executive Council affects students," Scott said, "because they are the ones that are able to voice opinions and they have the authority to get the ball rolling."
Logan Ipsen, a junior majoring in animal science, said he is planning on running for Agriculture senator. He said he has traveled and met with students and representatives of other universities from around the country."
My pride as an Aggie has increased and has built a desire to represent the agriculture student body," Ipsen said.
Election packets can be picked up in the Student Involvement Center located in the Taggart Student Center Room 326. The packets include a list of important dates, a declaration of candidacy form, a list of offices available, the election by-laws, a food policy form and a list of frequently asked questions.
Some of the information found in the packet is as follows: A $20 filing fee is required and is used to offset costs for receptions, advertising for elections and for publication costs. The offices available include ASUSU president and various vice presidents and senators. The filing deadline is Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.
Those that want to be kept informed about elections and the candidates that are running should keep their eyes open, Scott said. Students should check ASUSU's Web site (a-station.usu.edu) for updates. Paying attention to posters and taking the time to meet candidates around the campus are other good ways to stay informed, she said.
Scott said she has also made minor changes and clarifications to the election by-laws to make sure that there is no confusion or ambiguity. She hopes that her efforts will help make this year's elections a success, she said.
"From my perspective," Scott said, "I just want elections to run smoothly."
-jacobr@cc.usu.edu
View the article as it appeared in the Utah Statesman.
