Voter turnout in SGA elections

The Student Government Association will hold elections March 24-26. The elected SGA administration will govern student issues and activities.

“Historically, a relatively small percentage of students have bothered to vote,” SGA President Jibran Muhammad stated in an e-mail.

Voting trends grew significantly from fall 2007’s 500 votes to spring 2008’s 2,600. The trend continued into fall 2008 with 2,650 votes. According to collegeboard.com, 30,661 students are currently enrolled at VCU.

Justin Greene, the SGA’s director of communications, said he hopes this election’s voter turnout will be even higher.

“If we could get 5,000-plus that would be great. If we could get 10,000, that would be beautiful,” Greene said.

The SGA elections have been publicized through Facebook, fliers and the SGA Web site. Greene said he is happy about the effort the SGA has made to publicize the event and hopes that will translate into more votes.

Political science major Emily Mazich said she found out about the elections because she has a friend in the senate. She said many students don’t care.

“I would know about the elections without the publicity, but I bet a lot of VCU students don’t.” Mazich said.

Greene said all students should get out and vote.

“Whatever candidates of executive ticket they (students) connect with, I just hope they get out and do it (vote),” Greene said.

The SGA will also hold a presidential debate Monday from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the University Student Commons Theater.