Believe it or not, it's election season again on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. On March 28-30, UW students will once again have the opportunity to cast their ballots in the annual ASM Spring Elections.
Historically, students across campus have not taken the ASM elections seriously, and as a result, voter turnout has traditionally been extremely low. Though most of this year's election debate has been dominated by two highly publicized initiatives on campus, students should not write off the importance of electing responsible and responsive student leaders to ASM Council and SSFC.
This election, like always, will provide an opportunity for students to elect their ASM Student Council and SSFC representatives, and like in previous years, there will be political slates. Candidates will chalk all over campus sidewalks, poster and create websites advocating for students to vote one way or the other, using rhetoric and grand campaign promises.
Though there have been many talented leaders in ASM in the past couple of years, lately ASM, and the Student Council in particular, has been plagued with apathy and poor attendance, with many of the students elected early on interested only in the more controversial aspects of ASM, such as segregated fees, while largely ignoring the rest of their numerous duties to the student body as a whole. There are several things that students should consider when evaluating the individuals who hope to represent them for the 13th session of ASM.
First, will they actually focus their time on the issues that are truly important to students on campus or will they attempt to push their personal agendas? Second, will they cast their votes based on the interests of ALL students on campus? And finally, and perhaps most importantly, will they actually show up to the meetings?
Though choosing representatives has been and always will be extremely important to the student government, this year's election may be one of the most important ASM elections in the recent past. Next Tuesday, UW students will also be faced with casting votes for several extremely important initiatives that will have a lasting impact on life at UW.
Though people may be tempted to simplify the issues or write off the profound impact that both these measures could have on the student body, to do so would be a huge mistake.
One of the initiatives is sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Directorate, which would sanction a segregated fee increase to provide 58 percent of the funds for the Wisconsin Union Facilities Improvement Plan, which seeks to restore and renovate the Memorial Union and build a new "green" South Campus Union for UW students.
The other is a measure introduced by Student Labor Action Coalition, which would force UHS, Recreational Sports and the Wisconsin Union to increase their hourly wages to over $10 per hour for employees if they wish to receive student segregated fee for their operations.
As president of the Wisconsin Union Directorate, I have very strong opinions on the first referendum, as well as the second one. But, believe it or not, the real purpose of this editorial is to encourage UW students to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available to become educated on these initiatives before the vote next Tuesday. When I say become educated, I don't mean fall prey to rhetoric, but instead make a strong effort to base your decision on facts and reliable information.
Before making snap judgments about whether or not to support either of these measures, instead, when contemplating a yes or no vote, students should weigh the costs and benefits and contemplate the following questions: What are the overall implications of supporting or rejecting these initiatives? Who pays for the costs generated by my support of either initiative? Why were these measures introduced? Why are they considered important? What does it mean to me as a student? What are the implications for the student body now and for the future if they pass? And finally, what will happen and how will it impact students if they do not pass?
Students should hold both the Union and SLAC accountable by having the full expectation that these organizations will provide the most accurate information possible about their initiatives and will answer any questions they may have truthfully and thoroughly. However, I also hope students will hold themselves accountable by seeking out this information, asking good questions and considering it all thoughtfully before casting their vote.
Next week, UW students should discard the familiar feeling that this is just another election to ignore. Students will not only choose their student government representatives but also have a historic opportunity to cast their vote on two very serious matters that will affect student life and the institutions that provide crucial services to the campus. No matter how students vote on either measure next week, it is imperative that they vote informed.
Janell Wise ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in political science and journalism. She is president of the Wisconsin Union Directorate.
