Voting in student elections is more important now than ever.
Despite escalating tensions over University policies and finances, there’s a concerning decline in voter turnout among Queen’s students in both AMS and faculty elections. Even though it was the first contested election in years, last year’s AMS executive election only saw a 17 per cent voter turnout.
The student leaders in the AMS and faculty societies make key decisions on policy and finance, serving as students’ direct links to the University. The AMS runs several key services on campus that students use every day such as CoGro and Walk Home. They’re also responsible for the allocation of all AMS fees and advocate for better initiatives on campus.
Other elected students, such as the Rector, who traditionally serves a three-year term, represent student perspectives on the Board of Trustees with other administrators such as the Principal and Chancellor.
At all levels, voting is integral to democracy. Although government and student elections are seeing low voter turnout, potential voters should ensure hitting the polls is on their to-do list on election day.
Elections for the AMS and faculty societies take place yearly in early February, with the campaign period starting in January. If elected, these candidates are the representatives who organize events with, and bring student concerns to the administration.
During periods of economic and political uncertainty, such as the current budget crises, students need more contact with the administration than ever before.
The student body has been more vocal than ever this year in advocating for transparency and accountability from their campus leaders. Voting in these elections gives you the opportunity to ensure your campus representatives will watch out for your interests.
Casting a ballot is an integral part of campus politics and elections give students a voice in the issues they face daily. Students claim they don’t see the purpose of voting both inside and outside campus politics because they don’t see how their vote can make a difference.
However, voting for student leaders has its differences to voting for government representatives. Unlike your MP or MPP, there’s a far higher chance for constituents to build strong relationships with their elected representatives. While you might not see Justin Trudeau walking down University Ave., there’s a decent chance you will see and interact with the AMS president at least once during the school year.
Voting in the Rector and Undergraduate Trustee elections takes place on Feb. 6 and 7 both online and in-person. Students looking to put their name forward for the AMS executive team can also keep an eye out for details.
Every student who pays their AMS fees is eligible to vote in the upcoming elections with all students receiving a link through their email to vote.
Even if an election is uncontested, it’s still important to vote. Students can vote “no” or abstain from voting. In the case candidates fail to get the confidence of the students, an Assembly will be held where students can create a last-minute team to run. The option to cast a vote of non-confidence ensures elected officials are held accountable to their platforms and the students who vote for them.
Faculty Society elections, including Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS), Engineering Society (EngSoc), Commerce Society (ComSoc), and other societies have a variety of timelines ranging from late January to early February.
Faculty Society elections give students the opportunity to vote for executives, Senators, and year executives in their given faculty. The elected students will represent the interests of students in their faculty and organize faculty events.
During this election season, students can elect people who will create change in the daily lives of students for better or worse.
So, do yourself a favour and vote for the people who you believe will make your life better.
Tags
AMS, Elections, student elections, Voting
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