The SGA Presidential Runoff Elections continue next week and the last two tickets (Cox/Barnes and Freemyer/Lee) are squaring off for the title of SGA president and vice president. Since this is not just a pivotal time for ASU’s student government, but also our state and country, it’s important for us to educate ourselves on voting.
Here are three DON’Ts that are important to consider:
1. Don’t be apathetic
Voter turnout broke records in the 2008 federal election and it’s sad to see the apathy that has developed across the country for this election year. We’re quick to criticize about a certain candidate’s experience, accomplishments or broken promises, yet, there are a limited number of people who actually take action when it comes to getting their voices heard. Other countries are protesting for the opportunity to vote and make their respective countries democratic, yet we—supposedly the freest country in the world—are acting indifferent when it comes to voting. It seems like such a shame.
2. Don’t be passive
It’s hard to learn about who’s running when you’re not interested in learning their positions. It’s one thing to get all your information from Facebook and Twitter and another to watch debates and read articles. If you really want to make a difference in your community and country you’re going to have to learn stances and talk to people. Like all of your high school teachers used to say, “You can’t learn something through osmosis!”
3. Don’t be biased
Going along with #2, you shouldn’t just take everything your friends post on Facebook and Twitter at face value. You need to do some of your own research to learn what a candidate’s policies are. Just because you’re a Democrat or Republican, doesn’t mean you have to hate the candidate from the opposing party. Yes, it’s possible for you to disagree with some policies or decisions, but you also need to consider all sides. You never know, you might find you have more in common than you think!
I urge all Collegiettes to learn as much as possible about a candidate’s positions on topics and vote for the ticket that you believe will best serve our campus and our country!
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Image courtesy of: http://engagenola.org/Vote.aspx