Editorial: Get ready to vote

Staff Editorial
April 1, 2004, Page 4

Last year, Doane democracy bowed to necessity. The Student Council needed a president, and only one person ran. The election for president was more of a meaningless gesture than a democratic practice.
This year, however, two people are running for StuCo president. This creates the opportunity for Doane students to actually voice their opinions.
The role of StuCo president is not something to be taken lightly. This person is the voice of the campus. StuCo president has the power to create change. With the alcohol policy and Stop Day hanging on the balance, this election may be one of the most important in the last few years. Doane needs a leader that is willing to step up and actually create needed changes.
Because of the importance of this position, students should pay close attention when the candidates give their stances on issues. Students should align themselves with the candidate that best fits how they view Doane.
The candidates shouldn’t get a free ride to the office, either. Don’t be afraid to question the candidates and challenge their ways of thinking. Find out how they are going to create the changes they promise to bring. A candidate with lofty dreams but no way of making them a reality will only cause disappointment.
Pay attention to the issues. Listen to the campaigns. Find out as much as you can about the candidates before you vote.
And please, vote. Students who don’t vote shouldn’t complain about the way StuCo is run because they did nothing to influence the decision. Don’t take the easy way out, claiming issue ignorance. Find out what needs changing. See why the candidates are different.
As a leadership college, it’s time to earn that title. Become involved. Get others interested. Influence the direction in which Doane is heading.