Proposed election system shouldn’t replace runoffs

TO THE EDITOR:

From Nash Keune’s narwhal castle to recent contested elections, it is obvious to most that student government needs change. The other day, I stumbled across the article about how several members of Student Congress want to change campus elections (“Runoff elections could be discarded,” March 3). I asked myself: Is this the kind of change we want?

Frankly, I find the potential new system confusing. I wouldn’t even know who I ultimately voted for when I cast my ballot? It almost sounds silly.

Due to recent problems, I’m still somewhat concerned about electronic irregularities that disrupt the voting process. Making the process more complicated is not helpful toward making the election smoother.

Lastly, if cost reductions are the only legitimate reason to change, then for heaven’s sake, make the runoff the day after the election! Like Student Body President Jasmin Jones, I agree with the current runoff system. You can gather great ideas when you form a consensus.

While some procedural changes are necessary (like granting funding appeals more than 30 seconds), I think Student Congress needs to focus on something more important: the needs of students.

Congress could (and probably will) debate all day whether the new system should be implemented, but I would rather they use that time brainstorming ideas that would affect our lives.



Zachary De La Rosa
Off-Campus Representative-Elect