Students ambivalent about MSA election

If the number of students who vote in the Michigan Student Assembly elections yesterday and today equals the number of posters stuck to walls across the University, it could be considered a miracle.

But MSA President Mike Nagrant is hopeful that student turnout will top the 15 percent rate of last spring's election.

"Unless you make it easier for students to understand the candidates' positions, it takes some work to become an informed voter," Nagrant said. "One of the common concerns is, 'Why should I vote when I don't understand what (the candidates) stand for?'"

To increase voter awareness, a mass e-mail announcing the MSA elections was sent to all students, Nagrant said.

Dean of Students E. Royster Harper said many students do not value their right to vote until something happens with which they don't agree.

"I'm not sure the students understand the value of making their voices heard," Harper said. "It's obvious to them when their voices are being ignored. Most of us are much better at being reactive than being responsible."

Students need to decide whether the assembly represents their interests, Harper said.

"If nobody votes, (the assembly) is never going to be taken seriously," Harper said.

But, many students said they may not vote because they are unfamiliar with the candidates and the issues.

"I've noticed it on my (tuition) bill, but that's about it," said LSA first-year student Michael Arguello.

Arguello said he will not vote because he doesn't understand the purpose of MSA. "I know that it's student government. I need to know what it can do," Arguello said.

Likewise, LSA first-year student Adam Killian said he will not be voting in the elections.

"I don't know anything about the candidates," said Killian, who added he would like to see more information posted in residence halls. "I would vote if I knew more about them."

Students who plan to vote said they would like to see more information available.

"I feel it's my right as a student," LSA junior Amethyst Smith said. "A lot of kids feel they don't know enough about the candidates to make an informed decision."

Smith said she would like more information about issues on the posters put up by candidates, rather than just names and faces.

LSA first-year student Aarti Mehta said she learned about candidates through posters, and although that does not provide enough information, she still will vote.

"You don't get to know a person by a few ideas," Mehta said.

Former MSA President Fiona Rose said future advertising will need to concentrate on involving students' interests.

"Getting attention is not the same as getting enthusiasm," said Rose, an LSA senior. "(The assembly) is giving more money than ever to student groups and it's important how it's administered."

11-20-97