Next month at Georgia Southern, you will have the opportunity to vote for your student government representatives.
I have been told that approximately 11 percent of the student body participated in the Student Government Association (SGA) elections last year. With a population of nearly 20,000 students, this is disheartening. This is your campus, your education, have your voice be heard. Don’t sit back and let the minority that vote have a say that affects every student on this campus.
While I will not use my blog to endorse one candidate over another, I encourage you to get involved, find out about the candidates and what they stand for, what are they bringing to the table and how can they help you, your department, your university.
What are your thoughts regarding low voter turnout? What do you think can/should be done to improve the number of voters from 11 percent to at least 50 (or more) percent? Are you going to vote? Why/why not?
Image from studentorg.georgiasouthern.edu
Adventures in Public Relations 
February 25, 2011 at 10:03 am
I did not know that the voter turnout was so low; however, I also don’t remember hearing about the voting, so I must have been out of the loop. That is unfortunate that only 11 percent voted and I admit that I was part of the other percentage that did not. This year, I plan to research the candidates and make a proper decision based on what i discover. I will deinitely vote this year so that I knwo that I at least had a say in what the Student Government will end up becoming. In order to improve the amount of voters, I think that there should definitely be more publicity around campus as well as announcements via e-mail, etc. I think that students do need to be involved and have a say in what goes on here at Georgia Southern. There could also be incentives for placing a vote for the Student Government candidates. The students who do vote could be entered into a raffle to win a gift certificate to the University Bookstore or a free Chick-fil-A sandwich if the on-campus Chick-fil-A were to agree to help out.
February 25, 2011 at 10:03 am
Sorry, I forgot to add my name. It is Sarah D.
February 25, 2011 at 10:07 am
I remember last year reading an article in the George Anne about how the amount of people who voted for homecoming king and queen crushed those of SGA voters. I remember thinking how sad it was that we care more about the Homecoming court than we do our student body government representatives. I think in order to improve these numbers there needs to be more publicity about the SGA candidates. For example when the Homecoming court advertises they go ALL out by making sheet signs and getting their names out there as much as possible. I think if the candidates for SGA were to advertise themselves a little more to get people who know nothing about the elections they would receive a higher percentage of people voting. I know personally last year I did not vote because I did not even know when and where to do it at. This year I know a little more about the organization and I am going to be looking out for my chance to vote.
February 25, 2011 at 10:08 am
I forgot to add my name. It is Shannin W
February 25, 2011 at 10:19 am
I think that this voter turn-out is very disheartening. Although, I cannot say I do not understand why more people would not vote. As in many elections, people feel like their vote will not count or that the candiadates only run because it is a popularity contest. As someone who was in Student Government in high school, these thoughts can be very discouraging. However, because you have to reach such a large audience if you want someone to vote for you, than you have to make sure you are bringing about things of interest.
Also, because so many of students on campus feel like they are overwhelmed as it is, voting might be the last thing on their mind. If a candidate were to explain how easy voting was, more people would be more likely to vote. But most importantly, the incentive has to be there. Many times I feel like there is more incentive to vote for Homecoming than Student Government, and that is just not acceptable. Food usually will always do the trick in persuading.
Carolyn Johnston
February 25, 2011 at 10:38 am
Last year I served SGA as a Senator for the College of Education, and this year I serve SGA on the Executive Board as Executive Assistant. I love Student Government and what it stands for, but a lot of students at this University seem like they simply do not care. Maybe it has to do with little knowledge of what SGA is and does, but SGA is constantly out there. We host forums for President Keel to come speak to the student body. We have a Constitution Day, a day where students can come and learn about how they can get more involved in politics and learn more about our University and our Country. We sponsor Shuttle Gus that gives free rides home to students on the weekends. We even sent in our own HOPE revision proposal to the SAC Conference and told the state representatives how we feel HOPE should and should not be changed. There are numerous other things I can think of that SGA does, it may not be as publicized as Homecoming, but that is because those candidates spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on advertising and campaigning. I’m sure many candidates for SGA would love to be able to afford those things, but the only money we have is from student funds, and we would rather allocate that money to students and student organizations who need them.
Our goal with this election term is that we will have a higher voting rate than ever before. We as a governing body do not understand why students don’t vote. It is on your wings account just like Homecoming. The candidates are listed just like at Homecoming. Voting will be March 28, 29 and 30th this year. I plan on trying to get the word out there as much as possible and I hope you will too.
Also, if you have any further questions or comments, the SGA office is located on the first floor of Russell Union, or you can visit georgiasouthernsga.com. And if you want to apply to run for office the application is on that website and it goes down at midnight tonight.
Katherine Hilson
February 25, 2011 at 10:42 am
It doesn’t surprise me the turnout is so low. I’ve been in school here 4 years and never been made aware of the when, where, who, and such about the voting. Obviously, what they are doing to let people know isn’t working. They definitely need to publicize more. Maybe they could give some kind of small incentive for coming out and voting. Also, it couldn’t hurt to make candidate information and what they stand for readily available.
I’ve never voted because of the reasons I’ve already given. If I really thought it would make much of a difference I might try it. However, I have been to some SGA meetings when they were discussing issues of particular importance to me and it’s really just a lot of round about discussion. It sometimes seems like the students are too nervous to make any big decisions. The things they do take on to change often times seem fine already, but that’s just my opinion.
February 25, 2011 at 10:44 am
Amber Morrison
February 25, 2011 at 11:15 am
It does not surprise me that the voter turnout is low. Like all things political, people just don’t care, or see the point. I know SGA does some things (like homecoming and events), but I have no idea what “important student decisions” they are involved in. I have voted since my freshman year simply because it only takes about a minuet, but I don’t know what they are doing.
I also feel that SGA cannot make any major changes to anything important. They cannot decide where school funds go, sure they can submit ideas, but the decision is not up to them, they cannot decide if a new union gets built or not, and they cannot decide to upgrade the technology in any of the buildings.
If SGA does something that is beneficial or knows about something that will affect the students, then should let us know. I also think that SGA does not do a good job in advertising when and how to vote. I know I just stumbled across is the first time, and last year I went looking for it because I knew one of the CLASS candidates. If not for either of those, I probably would not have voted at all.
I’ll probably vote this year since I know where the ballot is, but if it slips my mind, then I’ll never know I didn’t do it.
-Blane Humphries
February 25, 2011 at 12:10 pm
It is disheartening that the turnout is so low. I can say that my reason for not voting is I never know when it all goes on. If I am ignoring the signs or if we get e-mails about it and I am not reading them, then that is my bad. One thing I have learned about fundraising and publicity from doing so at my old college is that a majority of students do not take time to notice signs, bulletins, etc. Maybe bombarding our inboxes with e-mails about an upcoming election would create a larger turnout? Or if SGA did something big on campus, like a big event to catch the eyes of more students. I don’t know anything about SGA or what they have an actual voice in around campus, so I will try to learn more from here on out, and after I know more, I can see myself voting. It is just not something that many, including myself, take time out to research.
February 25, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Lauren Craddock
February 25, 2011 at 12:59 pm
I am honestly not surprised that the voter turn out is so low. Georgia Southern has become a fairly big school, and I know that I personally do not get that much information about the student government. I think that if the voter turn out is going to increase, the student government needs to do more to get information about the organization out there, and maybe they should hold some events or something to get the student body involved with the student government. If I can find out more information about the student government, and about the candidates and what they will be fighting for, I might vote. However, I don’t really like to vote for people when I don’t actually know who they are or what they stand for. Maybe this time around I’ll try to look into the candidates and the election.
Hallie Hene
February 25, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Personally, I believe the low voter turnout is really because students don’t see the importance of student government. Although student government is advertised around campus and various candidates talk about what they stand for, no one ever truly looks into the whole thing. The only way I can see the voter turn out growing anymore than it actually is, either the student government is going to have to emphasize the importance or one of the candidates needs to do something that upsets or gives joy to a large amount of people. If someone is elected for a high position in the SGA and one of their decisions is dramatic enough to affect the student lifestyle, the amount of attention given should shift. I will vote if I know what’s going on, but I truthfully, as I stated above, I never truly look into the SGA. I’m generally too busy to pay much attention honestly.
Khrys Dent
February 25, 2011 at 2:20 pm
I completely underestimated the severity of the low voting turnout. Indeed, the numbers are disheartening, but rightfully so. The voting season always goes under the radar at Georgia Southern. For the most part people are not even aware of the candidates & their platforms until someone approaches you under the rotunda with a hand bill. At this point, its time too late to place judgement and becomes a popularity race for the most. A proposed solution would obviously be in promotions and marketing. If the school placed half the efforts our sports, auxiliary and recreational activities hold into the Student Government, it would help increase the turnout.
February 25, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Taylor Edwards
February 25, 2011 at 2:23 pm
I VOTED! Honestly, I think a lot of people don’t care for one reason or another. And sad as that may be, that’s just how it is. Many people do not care about the politics of college, and since they’re only here for 4 years, they don’t necessarily care what goes down. People who only take classes do not usually care either. Students who are more involved in school and activities tend to care about who represents them.
There isn’t really any way to increase voting percentages–our school already makes a big deal about it, and apparently, it’s only effective enough to get an 11% turn out. Many people do not log into GaVIEW often, and will not see the voting link, and others will just not care.
In my opinion, it all works out in the end and ends up balanced. The people who CARE about what happens to the university vote. Those who don’t care, don’t vote, and don’t miss out on anything that they’re aware of.
Rachel Lea Floyd
February 25, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Personally, I have voted for SGA positions before, but did slack this past year. Since I am graduating in May, I don’t feel the need to vote because the person elected will not be fighting for my rights and I will not be benefiting. That may sound bad, but I also do not want someone to come in that does not fit the student’s needs. So I will not be voting next month, but am a bit sad that more people aren’t voting. You don’t really think about these things when you see “Vote for your SGA President”. You just think I don’t have time for this or something like that and other people will vote. We shouldn’t rely on other people and we definitely should be more proactive.
Jessica D.
February 25, 2011 at 2:39 pm
I think the reason we have such low voting rates is due to people do not know the canidates nor do they have any intention on finding out about them. I can’t recall if I have ever voted or not my years here at Southern. I think if SGA would explain to the student body what they are able to do for the campus and follow through with those plans, people would be more willing to vote. Homecoming is one of the largest things SGA probably does each year and that makes me sad. I feel although SGA is able to make decisions about some things on campus, they will never be a part of the final decision concerning issues that relate to me the most in school. I appreciate the work they do as far as approving organizations and their funding, but I think SGA is something that has been built up to be better than what it actually is. I could be wrong but again, this is a blog and it’s my opinion.
Anna L.
February 25, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Kayla Mcglashan
I’ve never been much of a voter for anything. I didn’t even vote for the president. I know it’s terrible. I just dont know much about the people who are running so i would rather not vote than blindly vote. So to help me want to vote, I would say make the information about the people running more accessible or just more interesting.
February 25, 2011 at 3:47 pm
I have always been a strong believer in voting. When I was a senior in high school, all of my friends were already 18 and got to vote in the 2008 elections. I am young and was only 17. So, I had to sit back and watch all of my friends go vote and make a difference, while I sat on my butt watching the progress on the news. Now that I am of age, I never miss an opportunity to vote when I can. If it matters to me in any way, I vote. Last year, I unfortunately did not vote because I was sick in my room for about 2 weeks straight. I took care of my friend who was extremely ill, and then he passed it on to me. I regret it, but it is a bit depressing knowing that so many people did not vote. I know that it probably did not seem that important to anyone, but it really is. It IS our school and our campus, and we need to make sure that we are a part of the decision making processes. To be honest, the election was not that well advertised last year. Most of the freshman I knew did not even know one was going on. More advertisement needs to be done, and maybe there will be a better turn out. Maybe even an offer of free candy or a free coupon for something at the book store would help bring people out for the votes.
Rachel N.
February 25, 2011 at 4:06 pm
i agree with Kayla. im not big on voting. however, in such a big school its hard to really get to know the candidates. i recently transferred from a college that had about 3,000 students. so it was more intimate and you know the people who were running or have heard of them and what their character was like. i believe because we have so many students the influence of campaigning is very low. that 11% could count as the persons friends and such……just a theory
February 25, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Honestly, I am surprised that there was such a low voter turnout. I would think that since we are all in an educational institution that constantly encourages its students to become active members of our society, a SGA elecetion would have many more participants.
I do think that the SGA elections are not publicized enough. I think that the upcoming elections need to be advertised just as much as other campus-wide programs. I think that if the SGA put in the time and hard work to publicize it and get other organizations involved, then the voter turnout would be through the roof!
Yes I plan on voting again, I voted last year as well as my freshman year. I am going to vote because I plan on becoming involved in SGA next year as a senator.
February 25, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Personally I have to agree that the super low voter turnout is sad; they’re the people that will represent our student body when we need to be stood up for and I myself would like to have a say in who it is that does that for me. If there are to be people who carry my voice, I want to know about them & how they feel on issues. It is wrong that more people don’t show that they care when the people they fail to vote for or listen to are the ones who are there to represent them as a study body. More people need to care when it comes to who we put in office for SGA.
I think that ways to get students more involved in the voting process of SGA would be to make it appealing to them; the students need to realize what they could be doing if they get involved. I personally don’t even really know much about SGA or what they really do for us, but I would imagine that if more people are informed on what SGA is and how it works that they would want to participate. Get it out there & let it be known that the students have a say & that by voting they are doing great things for not only themselves, but the student body at large.
I am going to for sure vote in the upcoming elections once I learn a little more about what exactly SGA is and how it works for or with the student body to gain recognition for the students. I make this decision because I want to be involved on campus and have a say in how my classes go & in what occurs on this campus because the campus activities are a reflection of the students and I want to make sure the right picture is being painted.
February 25, 2011 at 4:38 pm
This is Kelly Dale. I believe that it is terrible that only 11% are student representatives. I truyly believe that most of the representatives should be students, because we are the one that learn, pay and live in this university.They should increase this 11% by letting more students get involved and make more advertisements and information sessions on the topic.I will vote because, even though we aren’t sure this 11% can truly represent us, at least I can help by finding about each candidate and choose the best ones for us as students. If we all do the same and understand and learn about this we can help this university be a better place for us.
February 25, 2011 at 4:40 pm
I can’t believe only 11 percent of the student body at Georgia Southern voted last year. One of my friends was running and I honestly feel like the people who represent us are important, so I felt it necessary to vote. When I really sit down and think about it though, I believe there could have been a lot more promotion for it. If I remember correctly, I they had nominees at the union a couple of times, but I don’t remember emails, flyers or anything else. These days I never would have known because I’ve only been to the union a few times this year, and it was only to do promotions for an organization I am in. I am definitely going to vote this year and think everyone else should as well. The communication arts department needs a good candidate to win now, more than ever with everything going on in Veazey. Not only is it important for our department, but everyone should be sure to vote because the student government representatives are the people who speak up for us and can help us get what we want out of our education. Ashley Salim
February 25, 2011 at 5:44 pm
I’m really not surprised that the turnout is so low. While I know a little about the SGA, I’m not aware of when it is time to vote or really what I’m voting for. What exactly does the SGA do?
I don’t get a heads-up e-mail (or if I did it must have gone straight to junk), I haven’t seen any flyers, announcements, really anything to let me know what’s going on if they’re doing stuff around campus. I don’t go to the Union at all, so if the announcements were hanging out there, I definitely wouldn’t have seen them.
Personally, I think that’s one of the reason there’s such a low turnout. If I’m not informed, I can’t really act on it. Another reason is the fact that I don’t even know who the nominees are or what their ideals are. I don’t vote for anything unless I know what I’m getting into. It’d be pretty stupid of me to flip a coin or say this person’s name sounds cooler.
Alexis S.
February 25, 2011 at 8:27 pm
I too am disheartened at the turnout. Last year I participated in campaigning for a candidate. I went door to door in apartment complexes and surveyed the students about their knowledge of SGA. Sadly enough many of the students were not aware of who was running, and what their campaign was about. Some weren’t even aware of SGA. I believe that raising the awareness of the SGA is pertinent to the student body, because the results affect them. I believe that having the SGA involved more in the students everyday life would raise the awareness. Maybe having them attend event or host events. The SGA can not be hidden behind doors and expect the students to know who they are and what they stand for.
Chinaka H.
February 26, 2011 at 2:38 am
I think it is a shame that the voting percentage is so low. And although, to us, it seems our school is growing, it will never be as big as it could be if we don’t start changing things when it comes to being a part of this school.
I knew we had a student body government, but sadly, I haven’t ever seen or heard much about it. At first i think, this is a problem with the campaign system and the organization isn’t doing enough to publicize the candidates. But in fact, the only way to have an organization is to have PEOPLE funding, supporting and participating.
I feel there should be accessible ways of becoming a part of the organization, not just with SGA but with all the activities going on around school. More e-mails, more flyers.even more people coming by classes to say “hey, this is an organization I am in, if you are interested you can contact me at …”
Along with that, I feel it should be our, the students, responsibility to take action and be more interested and enthusiastic about our school, who is running it and how we can learn more about about it and participate.
Annie Tuggle
February 26, 2011 at 11:22 am
I didn’t realize the voting status of students was so low, that kind of surprises me. To be honest, I don’t even remember if I voted. I probably didn’t.
I think a lot of the time students don’t vote because they either don’t care or just don’t know enough about the candidates and don’t want to take the time to find out the information. Another reason could be that they just aren’t informed about the elections. SGA need to figure out ways to inform students that won’t automatically be ignored. E-mails won’t be read, fliers will be trashed, and chalk on the sidewalk will be overlooked.
I never vote for anything unless I’m well informed because I think it’s pointless to randomly choose just to say that I voted. It might be students, and even myself for that matter, need to take the extra step to educate ourselves to be able to have an active voice on campus.
Amanda Kepshire
February 26, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I had no idea the voting level was so low, especially when SGA can do so much for the students. Unfortunately, I was part of the 89% that didn’t vote last year. I don’t think I even knew that there were elections going on, so first things first…I think SGA should advertise their elections better. Also, I think it is important that they treat this like a regular election, where they campaign and let the students know what they are running for, what they want to do for the students, etc. so we know who we want to vote for and why.
SGA has the potential to change our university, put the students have to help make that happen too by voting for who they feel is appropriate. However, the lack of advertising by SGA isn’t the only one to blame. Us as students are to blame as well. We should be concerned about our university and we should research and investigate further on the candidates to decide who to vote for, and even when the elections are taking place.
In conclusion I think lack of advertisements of the elections and SGA candidates, and the lack of students doing research and finding out about the elections is to blame for the low turnout of 11% voting participation last year. With more advertisements I feel like SGA can help increase their 11% student participation to at least 50%. I will definitely be voting this year, especially with all the chaos going on with Veazey. SGA has the ability to help us keep our building, but it’s our responsibility to make it happen.
-Noele Crooks
February 26, 2011 at 5:21 pm
I’m not surprised about the low percentage of voters. I’ve never seen any information about the SGA on campus; I’m sure you hear about the elections if you’re in a dorm, but most of the students are not in dorms. Marketing for elections and events needs to be centered towards us at the main campus entrances- that way more people will actually know whats going on.
A lot of people won’t vote for someone if they have no idea who they are. For instance, around homecoming last fall, I got friend requests on facebook from several candidates who posted many statuses a day about voting. When I went to vote (I actually remembered because of all thoses statuses), I picked the names that had been flooding my facebook for days. SGA should consider using social media to get the word about their elections and the things going on around campus.
Evanne Floyd
February 27, 2011 at 10:58 am
I think the reason why there is a low voter turnout is because SGA candidates are not visible on-campus. I am a junior, in the nearly three years that I’ve been at GSU I’ve never physically seen a candidate campaigning. I see signs and advertisements, but I don’t see candidates. Therefore, I forget to vote because I’ve neither heard nor seen anything that sticks in my memory. I think that is the main issue with the rest of the student body as well. I feel that the potential candidates aren’t personable enough.
To increase the voter turnout the candidates need to be more personable to the student body. They should do more campus outreach since we’re their target audience. They need to be SEEN!
Honestly, whether I vote or not depends on how well I learn who the candidates are. Right now, I don’t know who’s running. I’m aware that that’s partially my fault, but I feel that if you want my vote then you need to prove yourself and make yourself known. I don’t want to vote just to say that I voted.
February 27, 2011 at 11:16 am
Comment by Symone’ S.
February 27, 2011 at 12:27 pm
I must admit I am in that percentile. I never participate in any activites or know anything that goes on on campus onless its in the school newspaper. What about the percentage that don’t read the paper?
In order for more students to get involved students must be informed. Emails should be sent out to students and more marketing on campus about voting. I wouldn’t know unless I keep seeing a sign or flyer passed out about it.
Also I don’t vote because I don’t know anything about the candidates. The candidates need to make themselves known throughout the year, especially before the elections. Students need to show that they are making a difference always, not just because they want to be in SGA and then when there are we dont hear from them again untill next election.
-Chanice Childers
February 27, 2011 at 12:55 pm
It’s important for students to get out and vote. I hear about people claiming they don’t know what SGA does or anything, but as soon as Veezy was getting taken from the Comm Arts students, a lot of people were quick to blame the SGA. If you want a voice to the administration and want to make your voice heard, you need to vote for SGA, if not, run yourself. There is so much the SGA does and I think Katherine covered almost all of it. If anyone is interested to learn more, come out to one of our meetings every Wednesday at 6:30 in the Ballroom.
Applications are still up and will be open until 5 pm tomorrow at http://www.georgiasouthernsga.com.
February 27, 2011 at 2:53 pm
I have never voted for student government representatives in the past and quite frankly I was not planning on voting this year. Why haven’t I voted before? Why was I not planning on voting this year? My answer is simple; I had no clue elections were going on. Perhaps this is because I tend to overlook the advertisements on Georgia Southern’s main page, but I have never noticed announcements for it in the past either. I do think it is disappointing that our school has had such a low turnout of voters in the past. I think both the candidates and the school should get the word out better about the election. This would persuade me to vote. A lot of students simply need to be made aware of the event.
On the other hand, there are many students who simply don’t care. I think if these students knew how each candidate could affect the school differently, they might just vote. All in all, if students were aware of the election and how it could affect them directly, I think they would be much more likely to participate.
Katie P.
February 27, 2011 at 3:30 pm
I wasn’t aware that only 11 percent of the student body participated in the SGA election last year. I feel like that is bad because when all is said and done and changes start occurring, it is then too late to have a say. I know many people care about our campus and the departments and organizations we offer. If we don’t attend these SGA meeting and stand up for what we believe in, then we can lose it all. I’ve attended a few leadership trainings and we discussed ways in improving campus and I know that stuff was brought to the SGA meeting but if we don’t follow up with these changes then stuff might not get done.
I think they should give incentives to students that vote or some type or raffle. Students love free stuff so if SGA gives out a few giftcards or coupons it would probably bring more students out to vote. I plan on voting because I want to see positive changes happen.
Candace Smith
February 27, 2011 at 3:54 pm
The fact that voter turnout is so low is very disappointing. However, I will admit that I did not vote last year. The reason I did not vote is because I did not know about the elections. SGA is a very important part of GSU and greatly affects students but there is very little advertising for elections. I believe if students were more informed voter turnout would be higher.
Ashley Rand
February 27, 2011 at 6:40 pm
I can’t say that I’m too terribly surprised about the low voter turnout. After all, I don’t vote myself, or have any idea how to go about voting when it comes to student government.There needs to be more advertising done as far as what issues are coming up on the ballot and how to find more information. Other than the George-Ann, I haven’t seen anything even mentioning SGA on campus. Maybe I’m not just looking hard enough. Then again, I really don’t care all that much. I’m only going to be here for about another year then I’m outty. Is that the right attitude to have? Probably not, but I don’t see it changing.
February 27, 2011 at 7:25 pm
honestly, 11 precent, the low voter turnout didn’t surprise me. I’m doing an one-year exchanging program here, I’ve never heard about this even I did pay attention to the things happened on campus. I’ve asked some of my friends about this, none of them could tell me what it is.
Personally, I think it’s very disheartening. However, I can understand that. People are always busy with their own business, no one really cares what happened on campus unless it’s related to our own benefit. I agree SGA is one of the related ones, then what? The thing is only few of us are aware of the importance of SGA.
I think there are several ways can improve the participation. To begin with, the e-mail about the introduction need to be sent. What’s more, some flyers ought to be made. Thirdly, I think host can try to find some sponsors such as chick-a-fli, etc. In addition, I think as a candidate who runs for student government representative, candidates should do something by themselves to gain more attention from surrounding. If so, I’m sure the situation is going to be better.
Xin Wan
February 27, 2011 at 9:28 pm
I am actually a member of Student Government and have been for the past two years and I loved reading everyone’s comments on the elections. I agree, turn out is low,certainly much lower than that of homecoming which is a sad thing to me. Last year I ran for CLASS senator and I was one of only three people to put up sheet signs. I think that that within itself is a shame. Those running need to cover the school in flyers, and ads. They need to know that they can help form their school and its policies. I think, though, that some do not advertise heavily because they want their large groups of friends, perhaps fraternities and sororities or student orgs they are in to vote so they will win. Overall, I think we need to do a better job of advertising but I also think that students need to be more responsible in their education and their role as a student. Also, I am running for VP of Academic Affairs for the fall and am hoping to restructure how SGA recieves feedback from students and also putting more responsibility on the college senators.
February 27, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Last year, I found out that more students vote for Homecoming King and Queen than for anything else. Therefore, the low percentage rate does not surprise me at all. I think most students subconsciously feel like voting for things like SGA is grown up like and most of us aren’t quite ready to grow up. I also think that a lot of student aren’t politically conscious therefore they don’t vote. And then there are students you feel like voting is a hassle (but voting for Queen and King isn’t). I have even overheard people say that their parents force them to vote. Its quite sad. I think a way the school could get students more involved in voting is by creating a campaign like P. Diddy’s Vote or Die!campaign. I think student reciprocate to things that they relate to like P. Diddy haha. Honestly, I probably wont vote unless I can vote from my computer.
Yasmine Horton
February 27, 2011 at 11:03 pm
Ill have to admit i did not vote in sga elections last year mainly because i was a transer student that didnt know much about the campus or the ppl running for office. But now that i have been here for a year i will vote and try to research some of the canadaites. The low voter turnout is sad, i dont know why manyy people did not vote becasue more than 11% voted from homecoming queen and king which is awful. I feel like if voting could be done from your cell phone or through a socail networking site like twitter everyone would vote because it is made so easy. This generation is lazy and relies on technology too much
February 28, 2011 at 12:38 am
I think that people are not inclined to vote unless they feel they can relate to the candidate personally and that can only happen if they have heard them speak. I think that voter turnout could be greatly improved if people were made more aware of who the candidates were and what they stood for. There also needs to be more of an attempt to make people aware of the elections long before they come around. I think the school should do the following. First, make all the candidates fill out a personal campaign form, stating their goals, achievements, and any other information. Then post these online a month before the elections. Secondly, start advertising a month in advance of the elections to let people know its’ coming. Third, let people know when the candidates are speaking and maybe even post videos online of them speaking. I think that all of these things could help improve voting turnout. Other things to consider is having a voting facebook group that lets people know when events are planned or even having candidates speak briefly at sporting events. I will only vote if I hear a candidate speak and I like them.
February 28, 2011 at 12:51 am
I think the recent numbers show that many people are not voting because of the lack of interest in political-like elections and politics in general. Many people have the my vote wont cont mentality and because most issues that require a vote aren’t appealing to many people, voting isn’t something that is a “must do” like buying the newest pair of Jordans that come out.
I myself did not vote last year in SGA elections. But i think what can motivate more people to vote is the harsh reality. Instead of using advertising campaigns of what the candidates can do for the school and the mass body, the candidates should speak on what the lack of voting from the student body is doing to the school and the majority of concerns no one votes on. Also, i would stress to the students what things haven’t been addressed or have been neglected because of the lack of voting from the student body. I plan to vote for SGA and make my opinion and vote matter.
February 28, 2011 at 1:15 am
Wow..Although this is my 2nd semester at Georgia Southern I never realized how low the voting turnout was. Having only 11% of the student body vote is awful. I didn’t realize elections are next month. I’m always looking at bullentin boards around campus to see whats coming up and I havn’t seen any type of promotions or flyers about SGA elctions. In order to increase votes the PR committee for SGA needs to step it up. Each candidate needs to host some type of promotional event. Its a shame how each homecoming candidate promoted themselves everyday during homecoming but SGA candidates are taking their time.
I support SGA to the fullest. I’ve voted at my previous colleges and I will defiantly vote here. I think its extremely important for each student to consider voting. Voting allows all our voices to be heard. We can’t complain about what goes on on-campus if we don’t vote to make a change. I’m going to research each candidate and vote for the best one. I feel like its so important and I want my voice to be part of a revolution
La’Royal I-C
February 28, 2011 at 8:39 am
I didn’t realize voter turnout was so low. It really is sad that a campus of so many people has such little turnout. I think the only way of making voting participation stronger is to make it as simply and quick and possible. Take it and put booths at the rotunda. It would be almost like walk-in walk-out voting. Quick and easy. Send the students emails about the candidates information. They have no problem with these mass eaglegrams and eagle alerts, so send it about the candidates as well. I am planning on voting this semester. Ryan M
February 28, 2011 at 8:53 am
Until reading this blog I didn’t realize how low voter turnout was here. But in addition to that, I can honestly say I had no idea when voting was last year. I don’t really remember ever hearing about it. I think probably one of the major problems then with the voting situation is communication. If it isn’t basically thrown in out faces repeatedly it is unlikely that anything will be done. Candidates could stand at the rotunda are just walk around campus at least telling students the importance of voting even if it’s not for them. I also think that the voting information should be emailed to students more than once. Seeing as students are supposed to check their emails almost once a day I believe that seeing an email regarding the same thing everyday would make me more likely to take the time to participate then just delete the email. I am planning on voting this time now that I know.
Ashly E.
February 28, 2011 at 9:55 am
I honestly didn’t know that the voting percent was that low, but I honestly can’t say anything about it being low because I have never voted before. I think it is very sad that will do have all these people in our school and so little students are involved in school activities. The problem is I don’t think very many people know about voting and issues going on around school because I personally didn’t know that it was almost time to vote again. I think the school and student body can advertise a little better who are all the candidates and inform everyone what the dates are that you can vote. I think that sending an e-mail out would be very helpful, but since some people don’t read half their e-mails I think flyers and banners would be a good idea to get people’s attention as well. I have never really though about voting in the past years because I didn’t really know about it, but I think this year I am going to vote because I think it will be a good experience.
Tera B.
February 28, 2011 at 10:05 am
I do not plan to vote, but I have a decent reason. Nothing annoys me more than the fact that graduating seniors are allowed to vote. They won’t be here! Why should they get to choose who makes those important decisions after they are gone?
People are nuts. I’d be willing to bet money that there are more people voting on homecoming court than SGA. People get so wrapped up on the external that they completely lose it in those areas that really matter. Don’t you think that if Jenna Lane of KAPPA KAPPA KAPPA sorority was on the ballot she’d get more votes? There are much greater minds in SGA but people don’t care. The McCain/ Obama election was based on change vs. Experience. There is a distinct angle. Maybe it would be more popular if they made a bigger spectacle out of if. But my question is WHY IS THIS NECESSARY?
February 28, 2011 at 10:28 am
I didn’t know that the voting turnout was that low, but I think I know the reason. I myself don’t vote. I didn’t even know if there is election going on. I don’t know who the candidates are, or what they stand for.
I think I am not the only person who don’t know anything about elections. I believe that if the candidates would be a little more open on the campaigns, and make flyers and banners more people would be aware of it.
I also think that we need different ways of communication to cover more students.
During the time like this, there is a need for more awareness,larger flyers, more information on the newspaper, on Gaview, and face book.
I am hoping to find out about the candidates and vote for the first time.
Naima O.
February 28, 2011 at 11:35 am
I think the voter turnout for the school SGA is low because it is not advertised very well. I think it is important for students to get out and vote whether it be for school class representatives, the city officials, or the president. Everyone needs to get involved politically if they want to make change..you can not just sit back and wait for someone to do it for you!
February 28, 2011 at 11:38 am
I think that one of the major issues with SGA voting is the lack of publicity. I check my wings account everyday, but not every student does. Maybe if SGA stated advertising the elections a couple weeks ahead of time then students would know to make sure they log on too their wings account and vote when the time comes. Another major issue could be students no knowing the candidates. If you don’t personally know the candidates then you can’t REALLY be sure they will live up to the standards they have outlined in their campaign. Politicians lie allllll the time just to get your vote..
I will be voting is this year’s elections. I think i its very important to know who is representing the student body here at Southern. If you don’t stand up for something you will fall for anything.
February 28, 2011 at 12:44 pm
I did not know anything really about the SGA and about the voting that is about to take place! I do not think that the 11 percent turnout is at all good, but then again, I have never really heard about it. Maybe they need to be getting the word out more around and on campus, especially in Russel Union, because alot of people pass through there everyday and it is a great place to advertise something!
I will not be voting, because I do not know anything about the candidates and such, but next year I will.
Brianna Halpern
February 28, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Honestly I believe that the SGA elections are not promoted enough which is the cause of the low voter turnout. I feel that the University should get more involved and make it a more public event. Candidates should campaign and get their voice and views out there so students can actually be informed about the people that want their votes. To be honest I have never voted in an SGA election at Georgia Southern because I do not know the candidates or what they stand for. Also they don’t get out and get to know the people that they plan to represent which also makes people less inclined to vote. Also most students probably don’t even understand how the SGA operates or what they do. This could also add to the lack of interest as well. The SGA should represent the actual students of Georgia Southern but how is this possible if they don’t know the wants or needs of the students? I think that candidates and the organization itself needs to get more attention brought to these elections and inform the students about the benefits of participating.
Lane Keenan
February 28, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I don’t find this as shocking as others seem to. I personally have voted in every SGA election since I’ve been a student at Georgia Southern, but that’s only because I have always known someone that was nominated. I think that a majority of students here at GSU feel like SGA doesn’t necessarily get things accomplished. Some students feel like there is a MAJOR disconnect between what SGA does and the issues students really care about. There has also been such a low voting turnout because nobody really knows when SGA elections are held, who the candidates are, and what they stand for. If SGA were to promote better I’m sure that voter turnout would increase.
February 28, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I don’t find this as shocking as others seem to. I personally have voted in every SGA election since I’ve been a student at Georgia Southern, but that’s only because I have always known someone that was nominated. I think that a majority of students here at GSU feel like SGA doesn’t necessarily get things accomplished. Some students feel like there is a MAJOR disconnect between what SGA does and the issues students really care about. There has also been such a low voting turnout because nobody really knows when SGA elections are held, who the candidates are, and what they stand for. If SGA were to promote better I’m sure that voter turnout would increase.
Jaleesa Jackson
February 28, 2011 at 2:52 pm
I was not aware that voter turn out was so low. While it is sad, it does not surprise me. As a student, I have to say that I don’t hear a lot about what’s going on with SGA. I do know that part of it is my responsibility to get involved but I also feel that voter turn out would increase with more awareness. Candidates should really rally to get the students to hear what they stand for, go to classes and ask for support, stand around the union more often… anything to grab attention. I do plan on voting this year if I can actually see the candidates and see that they truly care about what they are doing. It shouldn’t be soley up to me to research them… they need to connect with us.
Mary Bickerton
February 28, 2011 at 3:29 pm
I am not surprised the voter turn out is low,but 11 percent is a bit shocking to me. I personally have only voted once for SGA, and that was three years ago. But I never felt bad for not voting because I was sure that at least 50% of the student body voted. I wasn’t planning on voting this year because I am graduating in May, but after reading this blog post I do find it necessary to vote for SGA and make our voice heard.
Something that could be done I think should be telling all the students the 11% statistic and shock them at how embarrassing that number is. Signs and representatives around campus encouraging students to vote because of a lack of voters could be beneficial. Maybe if there was a way to make it as easy as filling out a form that was handed out at the rotunda or places on campus and dropping your vote in a box that was turned in.
February 28, 2011 at 3:48 pm
I do agree that more people should be more involved with the campus. Two of my friends are on SGA right now and love every minute of it. I wish that I would be more interactive and run for it, but I know with my schedule now I would never have time to do it. I’ve voted every year for SGA and I would strongly encourage people to do the same. Honestly, I don’t see why people don’t vote to begin with. Its how we make our voices heard on campus as a whole.
February 28, 2011 at 3:49 pm
What are your thoughts regarding low voter turnout? What do you think can/should be done to improve the number of voters from 11 percent to at least 50 (or more) percent? Are you going to vote? Why/why not?
Low voter turnout leads to a gross misdistribution of power. People that have constituants with an interest in SGA have a great advantage to those that would actually improve life for the rest of the student body. I believe that SGA should market why it is important and what it is able to do to influence life on campus. If people knew that SGA has the power to actually change things (as opposed to being a powerless club-like organization), then I believe that people would think that their vote actually counts for something, and thus vote in higher frequencies.
February 28, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Although I didn’t expect the voter turnout to be as low as it is, I’m not surprised that many people don’t vote. The school needs to do a better job of communicating with students about the candidates and voting. Maybe host a rally at a game or something so that a greater amount of the student body is aware of the people running.Give them an opportunity to speak about their plans and ideas. Because personally, I don’t like voting for people and I don’t know anything about them. This is why I probably won’t vote when elections roll around this year.
-Inez Tate
February 28, 2011 at 4:24 pm
I’m not sure about what they did last year to inform students about it, but I did not even know we voted for SGA. It makes sense for that to be the situation, but I don’t remember ever seeing a flyer or sign or anything. I’m hoping its not like the Professor of the year thing, because we only hear about that when we sign into wings which, in my case, isn’t often. I think more should be done to inform students about the actual election.
Lennox Reid
February 28, 2011 at 4:26 pm
I also did not know that the voter turn out was so low. That is very disheartening to know because this is our school and we should care about our representatives and our future. I feel like to get a greater voter turnout, the elections need to be publicized alot more. I know that I did not vote last year and I do not really remember hearing much about the elections. I think it needs to be advertised alot more so that students are fully aware of all the candidates running and the elections in general. More action and advertising at the rotunda area and Russell Union would definitely help. As students, we are given the chance to control our future and what we want, so we need to take full advantage of this opportunity.
February 28, 2011 at 4:26 pm
-Christina Wright
February 28, 2011 at 4:31 pm
I feel as though low voter turnout was due to lack of informtion about the canidates and election in general. The only reason I know there was an election was because of the giant red writing on the GaView site.
I feel if students were sent e-mails about the canidates and maybe something about them then more people will have the opportunity to be informed voters.
I will vote only if I feel informed about the canidates. An ill-informed vote is just as bad as no vote at all.
February 28, 2011 at 4:31 pm
-Autumn Hedrick-
February 28, 2011 at 4:36 pm
While I am new to GSU and do not know how elections work, my assumption is that if so few students are voting, then perhaps SGA should be doing a better job of communicating their platforms and intentions. Students will not vote without being given solid reasons to do so, which is exactly why I am choosing not to. I know nothing about the candidates or even what their responsibilities on campus will be if elected.
When I was a student at UGA, the candidates running for SGA would hold debates concerning the issues on campus and how they would be addressed. Each candidate was featured on the SGA website along with information about the position they were running for and what they intended to achieve while in office. They passed out flyers on campus and held other events to gain publicity for the election.
If students at GSU are refusing to vote, then SGA needs to work harder to gain the interest of the student body and prove to them that their votes actually matter.
Lauren Hartley
February 28, 2011 at 5:20 pm
I am in no way surprised that there is a low voter turnout for SGA elections, but I would never have guessed anything lower than 30%. The fact that only 11% of the student population voted, while shocking and worrisome, just goes to show how little the student government is on the mind of the average student. The most obvious way to fix this is more advertising for the elections and its participants.
I have strong feelings against voting for someone who’s views and ideasI have no knowledge about, even for something like SGA. And yet, that’s what I’m faced with every semester. I may not be scouring the George Anne looking for everyone’s different campaign promises, like everyone else I’m way too busy with much more important things, but I still would like to know them. Maybe if there was a way to access information about the candidates through wings, I would feel more comfortable voting.
February 28, 2011 at 7:34 pm
I think voting is very important to do as a student at this school. Because of Georgia Southern’s size we are barely ever heard individually. This is why it is so important to make sure that this school has an SGA that can do his or her best for the many students that they are voicing their opinions for.
It is very disheartening to find out that only 11 percent of our student body does not take the few seconds time needed to vote. I have voted for each SGA election since I was a freshmen at Georgia Southern. I think that the school needs to advertise the elections better. Georgia Southern needs to show the student body how important it is to vote and what it means to vote. Each candidate should do more PR earlier in the semester. If the elections are a month away I should already see the candidates at th Rotunda and see posters throughout the school.
I think it would be beneficial for the candidates to create a way to show their platform for running on wings. This would allow all students to understand why they are running, and what they plan to do if they win. I think this would improve the number of people that vote each year for SGA.
February 28, 2011 at 9:41 pm
It doesn’t surprise me that the voter turnout is so low, simply because it doesn’t seem that students keep up with SGA in college as much as middle and high school. I think because the population size is so much greater, it’s hard to condense everything and people don’t know each other as well. Unlike city/county/state/countrywide campaigns, there aren’t billboards and commercials, and the funding of a large campaign. I think flyers only reach so many people on a college campus.
As a new transfer student at Georgia Southern, I really don’t know much about the SGA here, so I don’t know what is being done to advertise. My guess is social networking such as Facebook and Twitter would be the strongest tools at this point in time.
March 2, 2011 at 1:29 am
I was in SGA for a semester here at Georgia Southern, and I agree wholeheartedly that it is not the completely students’ fault for not voting. It is also to do with the lack of advertising by SGA itself. Most people don’t know what it is or what it does until there is a reason to; like their organization needs money or someone in SGA approaches them with a flyer on voting. I never really see flyers up that talk about what SGA is or that it is an available resource for students. And I do not believe a facebook group is enough (unless there is someone constantly inviting people to the group) Exposure is needed for people to know their resources. I know what it is, because i was a senator, but I feel like the general public is not exposed adequately. SGA has a paid position whose title is “Publicity Coordinator” I feel as though the activities this job requires should be reassessed so it includes more SGA exposure. Of course, advertisement does require funding, and I do not know the limit on SGA advertisement funding; however I know GSU would fund the printing and something affective could be come up with. Maybe SGA should take advantage of their CLASS senators to come up with an affective flyer? I am voting, because I am aware.
March 2, 2011 at 1:30 am
Trinity Smalley
March 2, 2011 at 1:37 pm
I definitely heard a lot about the voting last year, but I think it was only because I was involved throughout the campus. I had several fraternity members and sorority friends that were up for elections in different positions. I definitely attribute my knowledge of the elections to having been a member of a campus organization and hearing about it in chapter. I was also invited to several facebook groups, which all comes down to who you know. I think that the school or SGA should put more advertising for it out there.
Darnell H
March 3, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I never knew that the voter turnout was so low. I always thought that SGA had a pretty good voter turnout, I guess since I voted every year I thought everybody did. It is rather disheartening to know that only 11% of our student body voted for our SGA senators last year. It seems like nobody cares about what happens here. I believe that if campaigning for elections started a little earlier that might encourage more people to vote. Also, I think that more debates as well as more public appearances by thet candidates would be helpful as well. I vote every year because I want my voice to be heard so I don’t plan on this year being any different. I believe you can’t complain about how things are going if you don’t vote.
Jaren Turner
March 4, 2011 at 11:34 am
I know that this is late, but I would probably go to the most popular place that students meet to raise more awareness about the issues and the situations at hand. This should, if not will, raise the number of voters just by simply telling them directly instead of commercials, and other things that they don’t want to see or hear. The figure would have to be somebody that they recognized as an important enough person. And I dont vote but I have my reasons and I dont really intend on doing it, but more power to those that do.
Tim Patterson
March 4, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I feel like voter turnout is low because people tend to feel like voting for SGA board members isn’t going to affect their lives significantly. That it really just doesn’t matter whether or person or another wins. The actual elections don’t seem that highly publicized and I’ve never known anything about the candidates or what their actual power is. Increasing awareness and making sure students know the importance of the elections would help improve turnout. I will probably vote this year since I know some of the candidates and think they’d be good for the positions.
March 4, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Brian Kolesar
March 4, 2011 at 2:25 pm
I feel that this reflects directly on today’s laziness within the college population. We are far more focused as a whole on when the next party is or who’s going where on Spring Break instead of what really matters. I feel as if I am in this same group of people who dont get involved and for me I can say the main reason I dont is that I never know about elections or upcoming events. I commute to my classes and when they are done I dont hang around on campus. I feel if I did find out in enough time to take advantage of these opportunities I would. I think that being a student voice for change is very important especicially when we are all on our own in the real world.