GUEST SUBMISSION: Voting in SGA elections can bring change
Voting in elections is one of the only ways an average person can make a difference in the lives of their peers and themselves. Since our forefathers chose to create the United States of America in the image of a democracy so many years ago, voting has been best way to equalize each citizen.
It represents the the fairest and best measure of the American culture as a whole. However, many people do not exercise their right to vote in elections. And, typically, these are the people who complain the most about societal wrongs and dirty politicians.
Fellow USD students, take note of the upcoming Student Government Association election. There are two sets of candidates in the running for president and vice president, and both are hoping to be elected as the next student body representation. Alissa VanMeeteren and DJ Smith are one set of candidates and the other set is Josh VanLaecken and Stephen Bollinger.
Various senatorial candidates are circulating their petitions and campaigns now, as well.
You’ve probably seen them around campus demonstrating their goals and promoting the topics most important to them. They’ve been at basketball games, Greek events, department meetings and have appeared in the different forms of student media.
They’re on Facebook and Twitter, updating and posting their activities and beliefs for the social media world. The two sets of candidates and the prospective senators are
tirelessly working to make sure the student population is educated and aware of the various issues that SGA handles throughout the school year.
Many on campus don’t even realize the extent and importance of the SGA President, Vice President and Senators. Currently, USD’s Student Government Association is working with state legislators and the Board of Regents to pass a bill that would protect minors who have been illegally consuming alcohol in the event that they need to assist another person who may be hurt or in danger. Those on SGA support this in addition to other legislation pertinent to the lives and behaviors of USD students.
Clearly, this upcoming SGA election is of the utmost importance. SGA members lobby for the students; they are virtually the only and loudest voice the students have in the political world. They listen to the ideas and complaints of their fellow peers and stand up for what they believe is best for the USD community.
What the members of Student Government Association achieve affects students so closely, it is unimaginable to comprehend that some would freely dismiss this vital right and make the choice not to vote.
So please join in the casting of the ballot on Feb. 28 and 29. Vote for the senators that are most qualified and choose a set of candidates between the two running in the SGA presidential and vice presidential race to support with your vote. Help affect change and have your voice heard. Don’t give up your voting right; you just might regret it later.
-Teresa A. Johnson,
PSL President
