Student voter turnouts average 10 to 12 per cent

Sam Normand – Via Gentlemans Campus

Some people find it hard to get excited about elections, and Loyalist is no exception.

Nominations are open until February 5 followed by campaigning until the Tuesday the nineteenth. The voting period is from Tuesday to Thursday the 21st, with votes taken online at http://www.Loyalistlife.com

“Voter turnout usually is around between 10 and 12 per cent usually, and that seems to be how it is for a lot of the other campuses as well,” says Nancy Simpson, chief returning officer for student government. “We always offer a cash prize as an incentive and voting is available 24-7 on our website, so students have ample opportunity to cast their vote.”

“I didn’t realize there were elections,” says Paulina Marykuca, a first year social service worker. “I don’t know who’s running, I don’t know anything whatsoever. I’m like ‘elections, what?’”

Students were informed of the nomination period and upcoming election via college email. However, some feel that the management for the election period could be improved.

“I had no idea,” says Ariel Young, a second-year aesthetics and spa management student. “I’ll potentially vote. If I knew the location, the time and place, just a general location, I would go. But I don’t know anything about it so I’m kind of in the dark. Honestly, it could be done a lot better.”

Elections for the eight positions are held yearly during the second semester. Those elected take up their position the following year.