EDITORIAL: Casting vote in USAC elections is imperative

Published: Wednesday, May 1, 2002

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor in Chief Timothy Kudo

Managing Editor

Michael Falcone

Viewpoint Editor

Cuauhtemoc Ortega

Staff Representatives

Maegan Carberry

Edward Chiao

Kelly Rayburn

Editorial Board Assistants

Maegan Carberry

Edward Chiao

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It’s election time again, and as usual, student participation will be put to a test we have repeatedly failed in the past few years.

Students don’t vote because they don’t know what USAC is – but they incorrectly equate this with USAC having no bearing on their lives. In the past, USAC was integral in getting the UC to overturn SP-1 and 2, the policies that banned the use of affirmative action in university admissions and hiring. They were also a strong proponent to the passage of AB 540, which increased access to education for undocumented California residents. Both of these actions have increased access to education – an important responsibility of the university as a public institution – and will effect the future of countless students and society.

This year, students are faced with such far-reaching issues as overcrowding, housing and transportation. But students often don’t see the importance of these issues because they are turned off by the bickering between the two slates running for office. The fact is, BruinGo!, enrollment caps, student fees and off-campus housing subsidies are issues that affect all students, and the most effective way to address these issues is through USAC. Also, unique to this year’s election is a referendum on online voting, which could lead to significant changes in the campus democracy.

It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s important. Stop at a booth today or tomorrow and cast your ballot.