Poll turnout higher
than last year
ASUCC Executive Council
for 2011-2012 decided,
student government planning
for coming school year

By Katy Eslick · The Mainstream
Published May 24, 2011

Students gathered between classes at the center of campus on May 10 and 11 to cast their votes for the ASUCC candidates running for officer positions.

"The candidates did a good job of campaigning," says Marjan Coester, director for student life.

In a candidate forum held at the campus cafeteria on May 6, candidates campaigned directly with students, speaking briefly about their interest in student government while they visited with students over pizza and soda in a casual atmosphere.

Candidates also campaigned in the traditional fashion of making colorful signs with self-portraits and simple messages and scattering them across campus.

On election days, candidates also waited outside of classrooms, encouraging students to vote. Sodas stamped with voting stickers were given out to students passing by the voting booth, reminding them of their duty to vote. "It was hot [that day] and giving away sodas was a good idea, " says Shawn Howe, a UCC student.

The votes were tabulated May 13 by a three-person verification team including Coester and two others. They counted a total of 459 votes; 24 more votes than last year.

The results were then ratified by the 2010-2011 ASUCC student government during their regular weekly meeting, held Mondays from noon-1p.m. in the Library Moody room.

"Every student group brings something new," says Coester of the newly elected 2011-2012 student council. "The one thing they all have in common is they really care about the school and the students; they have a lot of enthusiasm [and] they have a lot of energy."

So with the campaigning and elections over with, campus activity winds down for summer break. Elected candidates will have three months to compile those communication, listening and time management skills they campaigned with before their terms begin in the fall.