Editorial: Variety in ASUNM slates gave good reason to vote

I'll admit it.

I'm a senior, and this Wednesday was the first time I ever voted in an ASUNM election.

But it was the first time it seemed like it mattered.

There are 38 candidates in this election.

In the past there have been two slates that differ slightly, but have similar goals.

In 2004, there were 27 people on the ballot divided into two slates and a few independents. In 2003, 14 people ran for ASUNM office.

I didn't vote in those elections and neither did most of the student body.

In the 2004 election, 760 people voted. Last year, 1,475 students voted. This was certainly an increase in voter turnout, but not when there are about 26,000 undergraduate students.

But this year there are three slates and five independent candidates.

Debbie Morris, director of Student Activities Office, said that was the most in recent history.

For once, there seems to be competition and candidates with different objectives.

It's a good sign that more students are starting to care about the way they are represented at this University.

Hopefully, other students like me recognized the change in this year's election and took the chance to vote Wednesday.

- Rivkela Brodsky

Editor in chief