What the hell, another election?

By Demetrios Nicolaides

In case you haven't noticed, there are about 18 different people running around campus putting up cheesy posters, talking about what's best for you, and telling you how great they are. Ah, democracy, can't get any better unless of course you've been acclaimed! But for those who have to endure the overrated democratic process, the fun has just begun.


At this point the Students' Union annual by-election is in full swing, with almost a week done and a final week to go, now the pressure increases. The by-election is held every October to fill positions that were left vacant after the general election last February, or those that have become vacant over the summer. This year's by-election is unique, however, as election races will occur for many of the open positions.


The faculties of Social Work, Kinesiology and Fine Arts each face a one on one struggle between two individual candidates, as faculty representatives for Law, Medicine and Education enjoy a relieving acclimation and the tranquillity of job security. Twelve people, that's right, 18, will be locked in a fierce battle for a mere two positions in the Academic Commission.


Such intense competition during the by-election has never been seen before, as last year's by-election passed through the wind without a whisper as three candidates competed for the position of faculty representative for Communication & Culture. In the end, the people had spoken as a mere 30 students came out to cast their votes. This year will be one like no other, and I would encourage everyone to come out and vote October 22-24--that's starting next Wednesday. With so many candidates for a wide variety of positions there's guaranteed to be something of interest for everyone.


If there's one message I'd like to get across, it's the following: vote, vote, and vote some more!


To ensure the SU does not lose touch with the people it's suppose to be representing--that's you!--make an effort to make a couple of clicks on the computer screen. Voting stations will be set-up in MacEwan Student Centre and the Social Science building for all three of the voting days. But, there's more! Voting is now all done online though the Infonet, so that means you can vote anywhere there's a computer, whether it's the U of C campus, your own home or Kazakhstan. So there's no excuse for not voting.


Don't let apathy imprison you, cast your ballot from Oct. 22-24.