Originally published April 13, 2000
by Adam Zurn

Some of you might remember last year's elections where it really didn't matter if you voted or not because there wasn't any serious competition. That is not the case this year. The positions of president, vice-president, treasurer, and corresponding secretary are all facing stiff competition .

The Snapper attempted to choose candidates to support for office. After some research, we discovered something unusual. The candidates are all qualified. They are all dedicated members of student senate who have the concerns of the student body at heart.

These candidates are proposing real change should they be elected. It's important that you understand their positions and platforms so that you can vote for the one that best represents you.

The Snapper has only one recommendation concerning the upcoming Student Senate elections. That you vote. The right to vote is one of the hallmarks of democracy and of this country. That is the ability to elect new leaders and have the transition of power occur peacefully. Understand that this doesn't happen everywhere.

We don't care who you vote for, we just want you to vote for someone. In years past, Student Senate election turnout has bordered on pathetic. That should come as no surprise being national election levels aren't much better, and that Millersville University is the banner town for student apathy.

We urge you to take an active role in the life of your campus by voting in the Student Senate elections. Don't think that your vote won't matter. Two years ago, Student Senate president Shelby Linton won by a mere 13 votes. Just imagine, you and 13 of your friends could have changed the results of a student senate election. That's the power of one (or in this case 13), and the power to rock the vote.

We here at The Snapper urge you to buck the trend and vote. We know what you're saying, "Why should I care? What reason do I have to vote in Student Senate elections?" We'll give you a million reasons to vote. Student Senate is the organization that controls the nearly $1 million allocation fund here on campus. That alone is a good reason to vote. You want people who share your point-of-view running senate don't you?

You say that you're too busy to vote. We've got news for you. Student Senate election voting is a quick and painless process unlike most things here at the Ville. Even if it wasn't, should it matter? No one said freedom and democracy comes easy. You've got to want it bad.

By voting in this year's Student Senate election, you will have taken the first step in becoming a responsible citizen who cares what is happening around him/her. By voting in this election, you will have started to form the habit of voting in national and local elections, which are many more times important.

So as the saying goes, "Vote early and vote often." Well, at least vote once.