Students hear “primary” and want to pull the covers back over their heads.
But this Tuesday, voting should be a priority to even the most apathetic student. Wisconsin voters have the chance Tuesday to select the candidates they want to see on the ballot for governor. As far as primaries go, there are few that can have as large an impact on University of Wisconsin students as this one.
The next governor of Wisconsin will not only hold first and final pen to the next biennial state budget but will appoint members to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, the body charged with authoring policy for all UW System schools.
This all sounds like a lot of blab until one considers the state of UW’s budget negotiations this past year. The state legislature (under the guidance of the governor) approves fiscal measures (which must be approved by the governor) and gives them to the regents (all appointed by the governor). This formula applies to tuition, staff salaries and many programs at UW.
It is also worth considering that the next governor’s guidance will influence the state of Wisconsin’s economy and our post-graduation opportunities, and his or her environmental policies will help determine the kind of world we work and play in.
The next governor of Wisconsin will have an enormous impact on the way UW students live; therefore, it is important that you spend some time in these last few hours before the primary to inform yourself on the issues and stances of the various candidates.
If your opinion thus far has been formed by no more than a handshake and “hello” from a candidate on Library Mall, you owe it to yourself and the people of Wisconsin to understand what is at stake in this primary.
Voters can easily register on the day of the election with a driver’s license and proof of address. Nearby polling places add ease to the process. It is terribly easy to vote in the primary, so don’t miss the opportunity.
Grab a newspaper, turn on the radio or just open your ears and eyes when pacing through library mall. By going to the polls and making an informed choice Tuesday, you can make a significant difference in the future of Wisconsin.
