For the second time ever, MSA gave students the option to vote on the Internet. MSA envisioned a one-stop shop, where students could read about candidates and then cast a well-informed vote. Of course, this is not quite what happened - MSA's plan failed because its publicity efforts were, at best, subpar. Many candidates did not make a strong effort to reach out to students, and the normal campaigning fervor seemed more like a tempered crawl.
Under the premise that students will choose to vote online, MSA decided to cut back on the number of voting sites in residence halls and other buildings across campus. Paper ballots are a convenience, and are often cast by students who do not have the time or the desire to go online specifically to vote. Internet voting is a great idea, but the bulk of paper balloting sites should not have been eliminated.
A dearth of information and a smaller number of actively campaigning candidates are not the sole causes for low voter turnout. One candidate flyer profoundly declared "I will sell my mother for students." These kinds of catch phrases, buzz words and gimmicks lend credence to the widely held view that MSA candidates are just out to get a bullet on their resume. But this is not the case for all assembly members - this year MSA has made some efforts that will have a positive impact on its constituents. MSA President Michael Nagrant and Vice President Olga Savic recently announced that MSA will open a student-run, non-profit coursepack store, in conjunction with the Michigan Union Bookstore. The store, if successful, would save some students a significant amount of money each term. Assembly candidates should use these types of innovative ideas as the basis for their campaign. Only then will students view the assembly as an important legislative body that positively impacts students.
It would be unfair to blame low voter turnout entirely on the assembly. Among young voters across the nation, political apathy abounds. The 18-25 age group tends to cast fewer votes than older citizens. This was particularly apparent at this year's Ann Arbor City Council elections, with some wards having fewer than 10 students voting. Political clout comes through voicing opinions and stepping into the ballot box. Whether an MSA seat or federal government post is at stake, student interests will not be addressed adequately unless students make their voices heard.