The leaders of Student Government make decisions that impact every member of the student body. The existence of Student Government is important because it gives students a chance to let their voices be heard. The most effective method of campaigning is speaking at residence halls and student organizations. When a candidate shows he or she is willing to work with students of all backgrounds and different interests, it makes students feel like they matter. Every vote is important. If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain about the results of the election.
— Kristyn Winch, Second-year print journalism student
It’s definitely important, but Student Government doesn’t do a good job relaying just how important it actually is. If SG could better explain to students why their vote really matters, then there would be much less apathy. With regard to campaigning, only president and vice president need Facebook groups because they have actual platforms to promote. Senate candidates’ groups seem unnecessary and I usually delete most of them.
— Michelle Fantone, Fourth-year political science student
I think that even though elections are a vital part of Student Government, many students feel that the outcome of elections as well as the decisions of Student Government rarely affect them personally and, consequently, do not give Student Government much attention. As with any election, voting is always important. The best way for candidates to campaign is to hold open forums, where students are free to ask questions and hear the candidates’ opinions on different issues. Instead, candidates create impersonal Facebook groups that serve as an annoyance and deter students from pursuing more information about a candidate. Student Government should work on engaging students and relating to them.
— Chelsey Seidel, Third-year print journalism student
I am really torn on this one. Of course the elections matter. I would not really be able to complain and throw my opinion all around this newspaper if I did not vote. But in a way I feel like the candidates’ methods of campaigning are useless at times. For instance, Facebook. Really people? I cannot tell who these people are and what they support easily from Facebook. It’s stupid. Plus that’s not a way to get people involved in the process. I would not have taken the time on Facebook to get to know the candidates. Once again, The Daily Gamecock came to my rescue by informing me of their platforms Monday. I hate whining without a suggestion though. How about create a website where the candidates can put forth their information, platforms and websites and students can voice their opinions and discuss their opinions. That would help get people involved. Oh, and how about a scandal? People love those.
— Stephen Barry, First-year broadcast journalism student
Despite what many people seem to be saying, Student Government still matters, though, admittedly, its efficacy can be called into question. But sometimes, how efficient SG is depends on the candidate elected to office, and it is because of this circuitous reasoning that I believe everyone needs to vote and do so in an informed manner. But how a candidate obtains votes is also a skill, and it seems that those candidates who establish personal relationships with voters (or at least give off the impression of doing so) are the ones who are most successful. Whether or not that personality translates into efficacy as a leader, however, is another issue.
— Alice Chang, First-year business student
Whether we want to admit it or not, SG matters, and therefore SG elections matter. Social media should supplement, not replace face-to-face interaction. Old-fashioned communication is still the way to win elections.
— Hakeem Jefferson, Fourth-year political science and African-American studies student