Editor’s note: Due to the limited amount of space in the print edition this editorial was printed in, the full version is here.

The Facts: During the initial student body elections, the voting website did not allow part-time students a chance to cast their vote. Due to this mistake, 2,192 students were left out of the elections, when the poles reopened only 7 students voted.

Our Opinion: While the mistake should not have happened in the first place, part-time students should realize the importance of their vote. These students play an important part in our University and their concerns should not be left out.  

The student body elections should be a time for students to have their voices heard, by selecting the candidates able to fairly represent them. The concern of any student is a valued one—part-time students should not be excluded from this. Part-time students have concerns just as important to the University as full-time students. But in order for them to be heard, students must put aside their apathy and speak up. This goes beyond the once a year elections, but rather for part-time students voice their concerns and have the proper representation.

Many students do not understand the role the Student Senate plays for our University. The senate plays an important role in the actions of the administration. This includes making suggestions and having influence over issues and concerns of the student body. For part-time students this includes accessible commuter parking, class sections, library accessibility, transportation and tuition and fees increases. Many part-time students can affiliate with these concerns.

Coincidentally the Student Senate representatives, as well as the Student Body President, have the ability to address these issues. If part-time students want to have these issues resolved in their favor, participating in the voting process as well as communicating the needs to representatives can aid the resolutions.

Many concerns of the reopening of polls dealt with the fact the results were released and few positions could have been changed by a 2,192 majority vote. However, certain positions, including the treasurer, a member of the executive council who deals with the finances of the student body, could have been swayed to the opposing candidate. The power to vote and voice your concerns is always a powerful tool in our arsenal. Much like in the national Presidential election, a vote can make a difference. It represents your right and responsibility to make a difference and make your voice heard.

More importantly these students are just as a part of the student body, as the rest us. According to the Student Body Constitution, every student is eligible to vote; this includes part-time, graduate students, etc. They pay for their education, just as full-time student, entitling them to the same treatment at the University—including the right to vote and representation in the senate. 

While these students might not be aware of the events and announcements of the campus, that is the responsibility of the elections commission to ensure they are properly informed. Many part-time students come to campus for one reason—go to class, and leave. This impacts their knowledge of many things going on around campus, including the elections.

Lindsey Pullum, chair of the commission, explained it is the commission’s job to ensure students’ voices are heard. If this is the case, more advertising should have been done on their part, however, nothing but awareness can combat the lack of interest among part-time students. The only real solution is to keep informed and understand how Student Government affects them. Student Government should not make these concerns part-time, merely because the students are part-time; however, this begins with students speaking up.