Let’s talk about the Student Government Association (SGA).
I know. Forgive me Stuters.
It is baffling to me that, upon my arrival at Stevens, The Stute was thought of as a conspirator with the SGA. Students assumed we spread SGA propaganda, and all that we wrote was in support of them and their association.
They could not have been more wrong.
Yes, The Stute has relations with organizations that reach out to them. Naturally, some of us are friends with people in the SGA or other clubs. Beyond the occasional informational meeting, we operate independently. So, to whoever is reading this as an SGA member, you’re welcome for all the free press during elections 😘.
We have student elections coming up. The people most affected by these elections are student leaders, specifically those serving on the E-boards of any campus organization. If the student leaders are directly affected, then by association, the normal student is affected. The worst thing that a student can do is not vote. The second worst thing is to vote without any context on each candidate’s profile and campaign. If you simply vote for the first candidate who slid a QR code under your door, you are making a misinformed decision that will affect us, and soon you.
All organizations are monitored by the SGA. From the budgeting we receive to making constitutional changes in our documentation, it has to be run through them. This is how it has always worked, and hopefully without issue.
You want to choose a candidate who will create a bridge between organizations, not burn them. Something as simple as receiving a budget for an event becomes difficult if the people in charge do not put in the effort to create those connections. Do not be fooled, every candidate is one step ahead of you, and that is the first promise they make on their Instagram. It is up to you, the voter, to differentiate between candidates who want the position because it looks pretty on a resume or those who genuinely care about you and will deliver on their promises.
Yes, of course, I am more passionate about this subject as I am directly affected. However, I have heard too many people say they won’t vote because “they don’t care” or they will simply vote for the first candidate they see on the form. Realize the truth beyond the Instagram slogan: if student leaders lose their connection to the SGA and each other, you will feel it too. It will be visible in the events we host, the general body meetings we run, and plastered on our faces. It will affect everyone eventually.
The best advice I can give you, if you have no prior SGA knowledge, is to talk to two different kinds of people. The first is a random SGA member, not one of the candidates, but someone who has had to work with all of them separately. A candidate who has good working relations within the SGA is a candidate you can trust to keep their promises. Trust me, any SGA member would be happy to share their own thoughts on the election. The second person you should talk to is a student leader, preferably a treasurer. A treasurer has the most connection to the SGA and can share which candidates they believe will form the bridge between the SGA and their organization.
We have had more than enough elections, so I do not need to tell you to vote. I have faith that you will. But I suggest you do your own research before you attempt to vote. If you are a freshman or sophomore, even if you are in SGA, do your research. Do not assume those Canva Instagram posts show you everything you need to know about the people running.
Voting occurs between November 14 – 21. The Stute does not formally support any candidates, but wishes them all the best of luck during their debates! Vote and vote well Stuters.
