Democracy is one of the most sought-after forms of government in the world. It is a system founded on the voice of the people. When those people do not use that voice, then the idea of democracy loses its foundation and the people relinquish their rights. Because of this simple yet essential value, the Guardian is very pleased with the large voter turnout regarding the Campus Life Fee Referendum election.
A record 6,231 undergraduate, graduate and medical students voted last week, constituting approximately 33 percent of the school’s 18,600 students. While the Guardian is disappointed that the referendum did not pass, we are pleased that enough students turned out to have their voices heard and be counted.
In the past, similar fee increases have received majority support from voters but failed to pass simply because voter turnout was not high enough. We cannot say enough about how important it is to vote, no matter which side one takes.
Of course, the amazing turnout was no accident. Everywhere one looked, a reminder to vote could be seen, and the 12 voting booths set up by the Associated Students were impossible to miss. Only someone living in a cave would not have known about this election. Kudos to those who got the word out.
Another reason why this election attracted so many voters is that it dealt with money, which means it directly affected all returning students. Apparently, a fee increase was important enough to a third of the students here.
We hope this turnout is a beginning, not an end. We wish that more people would have voted, but not because of the promise of cheap beer or free cookies. Students should vote because they understand that it is a privilege to have their voices heard.
Realistically, we would be happy with a continued increase in voter turnout. If 33 percent of the student body voted this year, why not 40 percent next time? Eventually, all 18,600 would vote. Now THAT would be a voice.
We also wish students would turn out in these numbers to elect members of the A.S. Council. They too make a difference in campus life and are worth voting for.
Once again, congratulations to the students at UCSD — those who voted and those who got the word out. Let’s continue the good work.
The UCSD campus has long been considered apathetic, devoid of any political feeling whatsoever. Is this a turning point in the school’s attitude? We would like to think so, but we’ll have to wait to see if that is the case.
