With the Student Government Association (SGA) elections coming up, thoughts turn to the age old “vote and use your voice” bit. However, this description, though pretty, doesn’t quite hit the nail on the head. This description of voices and the right to vote are superficial at best and do not even touch the core of the idea of an election.
Truly, the right to vote is the power of the citizen to shape his or her society; a tool to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Elections are a moment in history where everything may remain as it is or go off at a tangent and create something entirely new. Elections provide an opportunity for change, and the beauty of it is that the people determine what changes occur.
But rather than ponder this poetic description of voting and its effect on the country as a whole, think a little closer to home.
The elections for a new SGA president, vice president, justices and senators began yesterday, Monday, March 28. For those of you that have never voted for anything in your life, this would be the time to start. Indeed, this election is an opportunity, a chance, for us to have a say in how our school is run.
The SGA doesn’t just hand out scantrons. It awards scholarships and travel grants; it sponsors events for your educational benefit as well as your entertainment and much more. Most importantly, they are our lifeline to legislature beyond the boundaries of campus. They are our voice in the excessively air conditioned University of Louisiana System meeting hall when our academic programs and funding are being considered for termination. Why do they do this for us? The answer is simple.They are students, just like us, with a desire to keep students in control of their education. What will affect us affects them as well.
With that in mind, consider whom you have decided to vote for to be the next President. Is that a person you would trust with these responsibilities?
Think on the current situation Southeastern is in. For almost two years or more (it’s difficult to keep track) the campus has suffered many cuts to its budget. If the university is losing money, it stands to reason that the student body’s costs go up. The self assessed fee increase, which will be passed or defeated by this election, is an example of an increase of costs. It is likely that the university’s financial situation will require another fee increase in the future. As such, a candidate that would take action that you feel is appropriate is who you should vote for.
For those that deliberately avoid the chance to vote, do not allow yourself to become complacent. Allowing others to make decisions for you may seem easy, but it is very harmful to your growth as a person. Making difficult decisions and challenging your mind is a vital part of understanding and enjoying your life. Why pass that up?
Allowing others to control your life takes away from your individuality. If that is taken, what is left? If you think you are distinguishing yourself from the group by not voting, you’re not. In fact, you’re placing yourself within another group and chances are that is not the group you want to be in.
It is vital that every student take interest in the events and policies that affect campus. Students are the reason behind the university’s very existence and, as such, it is our right to have a say in the working of it’s policies that affect us as students.
Be mindful of your candidates who they are, what they believe and what they represent. In a way, picking a candidate is like selecting a new car or new apartment. You want something reliable, agreeable and trustworthy. Keep in mind that candidates, like cars, can sometimes cause more problems than they solve. Luckily, candidates and cars both come with warranties, as it were.
What the students of this campus decide on March 28-30 will have lasting consequences, good or bad. Do not throw this chance away because you like how a candidate looks, sounds or if you know him or her. Elections are not popularity contests. It is not wise to vote for someone simply because they are your friend. Vote for him or her because you believe, beyond any doubt, that this person will steer your university in the direction that you want it to go.