Apparently, the Student Election Committee does not expect students to show up for tonight’s student election debate, since it is conducting the debate in the Student Center’s Mississippi Room that is barely large enough to hold the candidates themselves.

Undergraduate Student Government elections are April 15 and the campaigns are gaining momentum. Awareness and activism in the decision-making process is extremely important to make sure that constituents, the students, are not forgotten.

Student involvement in the upcoming elections, or any other university matter is very important. Those elected make decisions that can affect the entire student body. The debate at 7:00 p.m. is a chance for students to see first-hand what the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as the student trustee candidates, feel are the important issues at SIUC. Please do not cast your vote based on a flyer. Get educated.

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The presidential campaigns this year are as follows:In the Shakedown Party, Rob Taylor is vying for USG president with current Student Trustee Pat Kelly as his running mate. Their platform is to unite and strengthen the student voice.

In the Saluki Party, USG Sen. Sean Henry is running for USG president with Greg Akers as his partner. One of their main concerns being to ensure that USG lives up to its motto of representing the students.

Last, but not least, the Progressive Party headed by current USG Vice President Kristie Ayres and current Chief of Staff Jackie Smith. They have been promoting their ideas through the acronym F.A.I.T.H.(Freedom, Academics, Information, Technology, and Housing).

The student trustee candidates are Mike Ruta and Bob Hanfland.

The debate is a perfect opportunity for students to become knowledgeable about the people running and the issues that they are endorsing. Issues, whether or not students want to admit, will affect each and every one of them.

Although most elections turn out to be popularity contests among students, the idea of students having a form of representation within the University should be taken seriously. Complaints are constantly heard but no one takes initiative towards actual change. Instead of voting for who you think is cooler this year, take the time to learn about the candidates and how their ideas would affect you, and vote off of knowledge, not ignorance. Do not allow political machines to insert people into office. Let democracy and a true vote of the people decide the election.

Throughout the semester the Daily Egyptian has tried to combat the issue of student apathy. The action by the election commission suggests that they are anticipating a low-turnout of student, so perhaps it would be in this student body’s best interest to prove them wrong and not live up to their expectations. Show up and let USG know what is important.

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