Vanguard students urged to use their vote

Early this fall, freshman students of Vanguard had the opportunity to vote for their Freshman Senator. And only 170 of them did.

Students go to the Bridge and vote. Voting happens electronically at a provided computer that acts as the voting poll.

In the general election about 170 freshmen, out of 437, voted. That is less than half of the freshman class. The number of voters for the run-offs were even lower, with only 76 voters.

Vanguard seems to follow the same trend of voter apathy that the U.S. has, when 38.9% of all freshman voted and then only 17.4% voted again.

This a dangerous precedent, especially considering what those voted into SGA are responsible for.

Senators usually meet with faculty and administration to voice their concerns and advocate for change. Senators speak as the voice of the general student body when they meet with Vice President Tim Young, President Mike Beals, and the Board of Trustees.

Whenever senators talk with their constituents and ask us about what could be changed or made better, we are speaking with someone who could directly voice our opinions and interests to those in charge.

We have SGA to thank for the water fountains, the extended hours of Outtakes and Samson’s, Samson’s meal replacement plan, and much more. For commuters, you know how nice the Cove is? Yeah, guess who you can thank for that, our Senators!

This apathy towards voting must change as those voted in to represent us have the ability to greatly impact students.

Students next chance to vote will be in the Spring, for all Fall 2018 class Senators, Executive Vice President, and President ticket.

Go Vote! Your vote matters!