A Place of Mind? On The Student Union Election 2012

The last few years have witnessed extremely quiet student elections. It has been refreshing, after eight years, to see an election with two strong slates running against each other. More so, to see students actually lining up to vote demonstrates a student demographic with opinions on the future of their Students Union.

Here are a few of our thoughts on the election. Read it, comment, criticise, and hold the Students Union accountable. We can promise that we will keep an eye on them, as well.

UBCO students were, for the first time in a very long time, excited about the campaigns. Many were, and still are, tired of the problems that have been associated with the current Student’s Union and want change, while others were interested in maintaining and strengthening the status quo. The school has been plastered in posters, overrun with campaigning candidates (and dogs) and buttons, all screaming for your vote.

The voter turnout has been at an all-time high. However, despite all the excitement surrounding the campaigns, there are still those who feel apathetic about the hoopla, perhaps feeling that the two parties are too similar or others viewing the election as a popularity contest. As encouraging as it is to see thousands of students participating in the democratic process, hearing first year students in line to vote say they’re voting because someone gave them candy is disheartening. Hearing other students voting because they got free coffee is just sad (and yes, coffee is too expensive on campus). However, listening to many people voting on specific causes, based on informed decision, has made us optimistic for the future of UBCO.

Critical thinking

A university is supposed to encourage and foster critical thinking and learning. UBCO is even supposed to be “a place of mind.” Perhaps that doesn’t sink in until third year for some voting students, perhaps never for others. More so, lack of critical thinking apparently goes for some candidates as well. S4S has still not been able to explain what they mean with ombudsperson (where does the neutrality part come in?). When asked by the OPINION, members of S4S had not heard anything about an ombudsperson (no name calling). On the other side, its been hard for some students to understand Students in Action’s points, other than that they want change, and “they want it now.”

The Election Process

The election process at UBCO has been plagued for years with questions of its legitimacy. The current policies hardly create an environment for accountability, fairness and participation. Both sides campaigned in the line up for then voting booth and both campaigns followed first years’ to the line up and too many were more concerned with bashing the other side, than actually talking student politics. Students in Action told the OPINION that “we believe it should not be campaigning during voting day. Then we would not have an issue with campaigning in line.”

Questions have been raised about the policies banning anything resembling “pre-campaigning.” Limiting the ability of the student population to engage in discourse regarding student politics, all year around, promotes a repressive political atmosphere. The slate system itself restricts the ability of independent candidates to participate in student politics, as they are severely limited in terms of funding and campaigning abilities. Considering these policies, electoral reform may be necessary to ensure the integrity of the Student’s Union.

We hope, but are not trustful, in that Students in Action will re-write the election policies, prohibit campaigning around the voting area, stop campaigning on voting days and facilitate a town-hall debate, where students can challenge their representatives in a mature manner. Let us lead by example. Let us, at least, try to pretend this is a serous matter. Seeing the turnout this year, there is no doubt that the general student population take the election serious. Hopefully, students will continue to debate Student Union issues, student politics, gym fees and the future of The Well. A continuous political climate of discussion, accountability and debate is, in fact, vital for the future of student’s well being at UBCO.

Although it is encouraging to see the excitement throughout the school, it is unnecessary that some people are taking the campaign too far. The tearing down and vandalism of posters has been childish, as has the amounts of slander and backhanded comments about one side or the other. The use of “bribes” – whether it was candy, branded drinks, or puppy love has no place in an election and in a governmental election, this could have been thoroughly illegal. In some ways the campaign has become too aggressive in the calling out of students, and the attempts to sway votes outside voting booth. For many, waiting in line to vote was like walking through a gauntlet, and turned some away from voting. Elections do not have to be spiteful, dirty, or tear the school apart.

Did we vote? Yes, of course (with an annoyed undertone and a feeling of relief that we can now walk from the UNC to the library in peace). However, we will miss the free candy and coffee, and the puppy. (Should someone call PETA? Or are we okay with using animals for political purposes?)

We get it. You are nervous. You want all your friends to vote for you. In fact, you are willing to go pretty far to get elected. We get it. However, running after first year students and following them into the line up, followed by a promise to throw cool parties is not really that cool. In fact, if all of the candidates took this seriously enough to let students make up their own mind, to inform themselves through debate and discussion, we are sure the “coolest” slate would still win. Don’t underestimate students.

As students of political science, it has been exciting to follow the campaign days and watch people getting so involved on campus. In the end, Students in Action won. We congratulate them and S4S for eight years of committed service. Students wanted change; they wanted action. Hopefully, they will get to see the action they voted for.

We are at your disposal as election observers next year. We’ll even throw in a debate.

Yours truly,

PSSA Executive

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