If the uproar over ASUNM's $300,000 budget bankrolled by student fees isn't enough to convince students to get out and vote, they should consider the following.
In 1839, Marcus "Landslide" Morton was elected governor of Massachusetts by one vote. Of the 102,066 votes cast, he received exactly 51,034. Had his count been 51,033, the election would have been reverted to the state Legislature, where he likely would have lost.
In 1868, one vote allowed U.S. President Andrew Johnson to retain his office.
On Jan. 18, 1961, in Zanzibar - which is now part of Tanzania - the Afro-Shirazi Party won the general elections by a single seat, after the seat of Chake-Chake on Pemba Island was won by a single vote.
If you didn't know that the Associated Students of UNM and the Graduate and Professional Student Association are your student governments, then talk to the candidates, who will relish the chance to talk with potential constiuents.
If you do not head to the polls, you take your voice out of the equation and, unfortunately, silence is seen as acceptance. Do not let 10 percent of the student population decide the future of this University.
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The ASUNM ballot includes 21 candidates, one significant constitutional amendment and one opinion poll. The GPSA ballot offers two candidates and two amendments. Take a minute and let your voice be heard.
If you stay away from the polls because you dislike the students handing out fliers and giving away candy in an effort to bribe your vote, consider that these are the people most of the state see as representatives of this University. They are the face of UNM.
Despite many problems associated with student government, these candidates have put forth the effort needed to run for office and deserve consideration. They care about this campus, and you should too.
Whether you vote for candidates on the ballot or voice your discontent by writing in your best friend, it's important that you do one thing today - vote.
Iliana Lim¢n
Editor in chief
