Last year, we wrote about the disappointing lack of competition between the
candidates competing for seats in the United Students Government. The students
who ran for the positions for president, vice president and treasurer were all
unopposed during the election.
Given the fact that the decisions USG makes determine many of the services
available on campus, from printing in the library to the concerts at Springfest, we
thought there should be more interest in selecting the people who make these
decisions.
We emphasized that this observation wasn’t to suggest that the candidates who are
running would do a poor job when they take office in the fall, but it is inconceivable
that three candidates can adequately represent the variety of needs a diverse
student body like Buffalo State’s.
Although things this year were a little more competitive, it proved to be another dull
round of elections. Even the winning candidates received less than 300 total votes
on a campus of over 10,000 students.
If nothing else, this proves that the vast majority of Buffalo State students are either
unaware of or could care less about who is representing them.
We acknowledge that Buffalo State is a commuter-heavy campus and that many
students come to campus, sit through class and head home. It’s not easy to care
about elections for positions that students feel will not affect them.
USG has taken steps to increase voting, the most major being the addition of online
voting as well as the traditional on-campus polls. But without more candidates
competing in the election, running on issues and explaining through their campaigns
what exactly USG has the power to change, student voters remain uninspired and
poll numbers remain low.
Voting is easier and more accessible and candidates, though still few, are increasing.
The average student needs to be made more aware of how involvement on campus
can benefit them. Increased campus activity would lead to more students with
interest in what happens in USG, which would lead to more candidates and a higher
representation of students’ needs.