Student apathy is a long-held campus adage. However, it was not the culprit behind the typically lackluster turnout in last week’s A.S. elections. The reason why less than one-fifth of the student body votes is not predisposition — it is institutions.

The A.S. Council, despite its posturing, is relatively powerless. Campaign statements from both slates looked nearly identical because there is only so much any slate can promise when its in-office actions are limited to things like passing resolutions and lining up concerts.

Winter quarter’s special election regarding the Student-Run Television debacle is evidence of the council’s lack of institutional authority. Students expected some effective action as a result of the special election, yet SRTV remains a sea of static. The only real effect of the special election was to table SRTV’s charter until next year while the administration keeps the station shut down. It is no wonder that students are resistant to taking even the five minutes required to vote on TritonLink when their effort does little to effect change.

The A.S. Council needs reformation. Until students believe that their representatives can effectively maneuver within the institutional structures of the university, they will never be passionate about campus politics.

A.S. President-elect Harry Khanna’s plan to give the A.S. Council more say over appointments to campus committees, consolidating some authority within the council, is an initial, realistic effort to move the council in the right direction — toward some much-needed respect from students.