If the Democratic candidate elections are teaching the United States anything, it is the importance of voting in a general election. Associated Student Organization voting began on Monday and will end today.
ASO winners will be posted Monday.
“Students need to take an interest, this is our local government,” Harold Tyler, director of student development, said.
Monday was the start of voting for ASO executive positions and senate positions. The senate positions represent different divisions and the issues impacting the divisions.
By voting, students assure that the right people are put into the right positions.
“You’ve got be a voter, because if you didn’t vote, how can you point a finger (and place blame),” Tyler said.
Tyler encouraged students to vote for ASO candidates since these are the individuals who will represent the student voice next semester.
These are the candidates who will represent the student body when making important decisions.
To be able to vote for ASO executive and senate positions ,students need to show proof of either school identification or a driver’s license and also declare their major so they can vote on division senators.
“People you are voting for are going to be the people voicing your opinions,” Christina Jack, director of finance, said.
At least 200 students have voted Tyler said.
“If they don’t give themselves the opportunity to vote, they are going to have decisions made for them,” Megan McLean presidential candidate and ASO student trustee, said.
By not voting, it creates apathy among voters Tyler said, but he is satisfied with how the candidates are handling raising awareness to the voter’s process because most of the students are going out to the campus creating banners and talking to students.
ASO also stresses that candidates running uncontested can still lose to write-in candidates winners will be posted by Monday. If voters believe there is somebody on campus who meets the qualifications and would be perfect for ASO office.
“Because people are campaigning, we have a few contested races and that increases turnout; we have had races where one vote determines the winner,” Tyler said.
