University of Wisconsin students are taking to the polls this week as voting is currently open for the Associated Students of Madison Spring 2026 Election.
As the official student governance body at UW, ASM allocates over $75 million in segregated funds each year in its representation of over 50,000 students, according to ASM’s website. But the organization’s leaders have expressed concern involving limited input from students.
Last election, only 6% of all UW students voted in the ASM election, according to Spring 2025 Election data. ASM’s Press Office Director Drew Wesson said this year ASM is hopeful to increase its voter turnout to match the national average of 10%.
“I think if, even if we don’t get that, as long as we’re kind of putting ASM out there and showcasing what we do to students, the election would be successful as well,” Wesson said.
Lander Levers is a student representative for the College of Letters and Sciences and Student Service Financial Committee chair and is currently running for re-election.
Levers argues that this election’s voter turnout could determine the overall successes of ASM as a whole, ensuring legitimacy with university administration.
“I’ve been in conversations where Chancellor Mnookin has [questioned ASM’s legitimacy] because we don’t get enough votes, and that pisses me off quite a bit,” said Levers. “The fact that they’re having to say that to validate the good things that we’re advocating for. Let’s prove them wrong, and let’s get as many people out to vote.”
Through University Health Services, student organization grants, childcare services and more, ASM works to ensure students are represented on and off campus, according to the ASM website.
All 33 Student Council Representative seats are up for election, along with three Student Services Financial Committee seats. This year’s ballot also includes a referendum question on the installation of lights along the Lakeshore Path between the Limnology Building and Goodnight Hall, according to a document released by ASM.
“I think a lot of students kind of don’t realize this, but ASM impacts almost every part of campus,” said Wesson. “By voting in this election, you’re kind of giving your voice to ASM so we can take it up to university administration.”
Any currently enrolled UW student can cast their vote online for their college’s candidates and SSFC candidates until Wednesday, March 18 at 5:00 p.m. More information about ASM, the election process and the candidates are available at the ASM website.
