I don’t think I’m alone when I say I don’t
understand the politics of the Undergraduate Students Association
Council.
Sure, I’ve read Daily Bruin articles on the subject, but
the elections and the issues of the candidates still appear distant
and abstract. As a first-year student, I’m particularly
baffled. Who are these candidates? Should I trust their slates? Do
I care about the election outcome?
To many Bruins USAC elections prove distressing, but for most
students they are completely pointless.
Last year, only 24.9 percent of eligible students voted in the
elections. This means that a whopping 18,000 students didn’t
vote.
Beyond the low turnout there are many problems with the
electoral process. For one, the election is notoriously
complicated. To the average student it appears rife with
incomprehensible political ties and influences.
Elections simultaneously seem trite, out of control and
inaccessible. Campaign slates change their names. Candidates
distribute distorted information and skirt around campaign
regulations. Student groups listen to speeches and endorse
particular candidates, forming intricate alliances. The end result?
Total confusion. People don’t know where to turn on election
day.
Then there’s the problem with what USAC actually
accomplishes. In the aftermath of a series of student fee hikes
many students now feel particularly powerless. It seems students
cannot influence a system dependent on the will of the governor and
the state Legislature.
As a result, Bruins may rightly doubt the impact of USAC on
their daily lives. Issues such as student fees, textbook costs and
enrollment cuts worry them. While USAC may help fund clubs and
sponsor campus events, students realize the real power lies in
Sacramento.
No wonder students pass up the opportunity to vote and head to
class instead. They doubt the impact of USAC and thus see no
purpose in voting.
But on campus USAC does have a real impact on student life, even
if it is not always readily apparent.
This year, for example, USAC was accused of unfair student group
funding practices. These claims launched a major debate over the
nature of student groups and the best way to fairly fund all
political and religious viewpoints.
When these questions were raised, USAC’s decisions were
considered important by students. In other words, students wanted
to be heard. They cared about the debate.
It would make sense, then, that Bruins would want to vote in the
upcoming elections.
Bruins sometimes disregard USAC because they don’t know if
they will receive tangible benefits in return. But, as we’ve
seen this year, student government has the potential to play a
critical role in student life. The effect is not necessarily
lowered tuition or more affordable textbooks, but with the right
people in office, USAC can make our lives better. We should make
our votes count. There’s nothing to lose.
Fried is a first-year history student. E-mail her at
[email protected]. Send general comments to
[email protected].