With SGA elections today, it is highly doubtful the majority of A&T’s student body will vote. It has been proven that less than 20 percent of students vote during spring elections.

Voting is a student’s way of choosing the person(s) they want to represent their class, as well as the university. It is a formal expression of choice, but students are not utilizing this right.

Students are encouraged to vote so that the winners truly reflect what the student body wants.

Who are student elected leaders representing if students are not voting, the 20 percent of students who do vote?

Voting has even become easier over the years. In previous years, students had to go to the Memorial Student Union and physically place a vote, like one would during a general election. To make voting more convenient, students are able to vote via smart phones, iPhones, laptops, or any other technology with Internet access.

To be eligible to vote a student must be enrolled at the university.

Voting has decreased dramatically in the past three years despite how easy it is to vote.

According to the Election Committee, in Spring 2011, 1,643 of 9,778 eligible voters voted. In Spring 2012, 1,577 of 8,628 eligible voters voted. In Spring 2013, 1,189 of 8,471 eligible voters voted

Some students feel that their voice is unnecessary, so they do not care to vote.

Kylah Hudson, sophomore graphic design student, admitted that last spring election she was lazy. Hudson is not alone. Most students do not take the initiative to vote. Instead, they complain about leadership despite having the opportunity to use their voice in a political way.

“I felt like some of the faces I was seeing, were the typical faces. And it seemed like the elections are becoming more of a popularity contest and it wasn’t for the benefits of the students anymore,” said Hudson.

On the other hand, some students do feel like their vote counts.

Aarin Jackson, student, said, “I voted because I felt it was my duty to vote for students that deserved and proved that they could run this school.”

Michael Linton, sophomore, felt that some candidates running for SGA positions have maintain their standards and truly aspire represent the student body, while others are run to get their name out there. Linton mentioned that he has voted in previous elections despite his feelings toward school elections.

In past years, there was more competition with numerous candidates for specific positions. Now, it is common for people to run unopposed, or for no one to run at all.

This is the first election in years where there are three presidential candidates.

Hudson and Jackson both thought that competition was lacking in elections, and that is what hinders them from voting at times.

Other students went on to say that three candidates for both Mister and Miss A&T are refreshing to see. Last year, only one person ran for Mister A&T.

Students want to feel included in elections and not feel like their choices are already being made for them.

The same attitude students have toward university elections is the same one that justifies why young people are likely to not vote for general elections.

Candidates are hoping students come out to vote and let their voice be heard.

Elections open on today.  Students will be able to vote from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All students are encouraged to vote.

—Email Taylorat [email protected] and follow The Register on Twitter @TheATRegister

• Taylor Young, Register Reporter