Student Government Association (SGA) elections were held yesterday and are being held today, but the results of a poll of 70 random students suggest that the candidates may not have been successful in reaching out to students - especially underclassmen.
Of the 70 students, 47 did not even know who was running for SGA executive president. In a poll of 50 random students, 45 did not know who was running for the president of their class.
"I don't even know what SGA does," Elena Servedio, freshman math major, said. "If I find out what they do, then maybe I'll vote."
Travis Torsky, sophomore history major, had the same reaction.
"I do not plan on voting because I have no idea what any of the issues are and I don't know any of the candidates," Torsky said.
Not all students share this attitude.
"I feel it is extremely important to vote," Adam Mamawala, freshman communication studies major, said. "It's our responsibility as college students and as citizens to make sure our voices are heard. We have to make sure that we are informed enough to make the right decisions regarding this, or any other election."
There were signs that some students on campus have been aware of the campaigning.
"I know that there's POP, People Over Politics, but I don't know who's in it," Amanda Harris, freshman biology major, said.
Pierre Miller, freshman biology and music major, also expressed knowledge of POP, stating that he received an e-mail and has been seeing fliers all over campus.
"Tiana Lautato is running for vice president of our class. I wanted to run for president, but I was a day late. I hate politics!" Mina Greiss, freshman biology major, said. Greiss also said that he will "vote for people whose posters are up."
Almost every student responded with a "no" when asked if they knew who was running for SGA president. There were, however, a few "yes" responses.
"Yes. Eric (Pasternack) and (S.) Lee (Whitesell)," Miller said. "I saw a huge 'Lee Whitesell' on the sidewalk by the music building, and Eric gave me ice cream in the student center."
Students were also asked for their input on how campaigning could further reach students on campus.
"All I've seen are chalk advertisements on the sidewalks. They should put up one of those big sheets in the (student center), or try to get on WTSR or something," Torsky said.
"They should go door-to-door campaigning," Adam Gonzalez, freshman health and exercise science major, added.
