SGA Elections: Here we go again…

As I drove over the “hump” Monday morning in the pouring rain, I was greeted by huge banners, signs, and cup-decorated fences promoting candidates ranging from SGA president to sophomore class senator. I laughed to myself and realized that it would be quite an interesting week because it was obvious that election fever had hit Southern once again.  
I couldn’t wait to get into my office to learn of the candidates who were vying for positions. It wasn’t a surprise that certain people were running for certain positions, but it was alarming the number of people who I had never heard of.
Being a part of the media, I have developed sort of a “third eye” when it comes to observing activities on campus and those who participate.  
I must say that the majority of candidates who are seeking positions, such as SGA president and Miss Southern, are very active and vocal within their class as well as the university community, but it seems as if some of these candidates have fallen out the sky.
How can you represent a group of people that you know nothing about? It’s kind of funny how people want to come in and change things when they have not been to any class meetings, volunteered through SGA, or participated in their particular class activities. Everybody want to use the tired phrase, “Well, I never knew when things were going on…No one called me…I didn’t see any flyers…”
Stop the tired excuses and take some initiative! How can you lead someone without initiative? If you couldn’t call the SGA office to find out the name and phone numbers of your class officers, network with others to find out what’s going on, or simply open up the DIGEST to the On Campus Briefs section to find out pertinent information that may benefit you, how can you take action to implement change?
Instead of bashing your opponents in debates of what they did not do while in office, you need to re-evaluate your reasons for running. I would like to reiterate that I am speaking only to the people who are guilty of this, so if right now you are getting mad: YES, I AM TALKING ABOUT YOU! I can’t be everywhere all the time. But I am speaking on firsthand knowledge.  
Students, don’t be fooled by the political rhetoric and sly campaign tactics. When you go to the polls remember the faces that you saw during your class activities. Remember the volunteer who called you about meetings. Remember the person who actually spoke to you before they decided to run for office.
If you have had a class with someone for the past few semesters and they acted as if you didn’t exist, what makes you think that they are going to give a damn about you once they are elected?
Everyone knows that these elections are usually based on popularity, who is in what organization, and how much free stuff (candy, T-shirts, etc.) they pass out.
Take the candy and the flyers. Don’t let good money go to waste. Believe me, many have spent a small fortune on campaigning, but when you enter into that voting booth, forget the hype and vote for the person who you feel in your heart is the best candidate to represent you.