JoJo Kariuki is encouraging students to come and vote in this year’s LCSA executive election. Voting is from Feb. 28 to March 2. Photo by Rochelle Sciortino.
The Lethbridge College Students’ Association election will be underway at the end of February with new candidates and a chance for students to practice their right to vote.
Three executive student council position will be open for students to vote on during this election period that runs Fe. 28 to March 2. The positions students are voting for are president, vice president of operations and finance and vice president of student life.
Angela Waters, LCSA Services Coordinator, says the LCSA is important for students on campus because the student council advocates for students.
“The student association is made up of a few different parts. We are a separate entity from the college, so we run under our own bylaws and constitution,” she says.
Waters adds how some students coming to the college in their late teens and early 20s may have never voted before.
Joanne (JoJo) Kariuki, Vice President Student Life, mentions some people may see the election as a popularity contest and expresses how this shouldn’t be the case.
“We want to look for someone who’s competent to advocate for your student rights,” says Kariuki.
She says it’s a democratic right for students to take part in the voting process and without students there wouldn’t be a college.
“When it comes to things happening within the institution, a voice is important because this institution cannot run without students,” says Kariuki.
Students will be able to vote online. An email will be sent out to students in the near future with a link to cast votes for different candidates.
Waters thinks the online voting system has helped with student engagement compared to going to a physical voting station. The average turnout for the LCSA election is about 10 per cent of the student body population.
She adds the LCSA will have candidate photos and write ups about each student on their Facebook and Instagram accounts for the student body to review. There will also be video speeches of each nominee available for students to watch and be better informed.
“Don’t just vote because you saw someone. Make an informed vote because these are the people that are going to be there for you during your academic career,” says Waters.
Voting will take place from Feb. 28 to March 2. For more information about the election, visit the LCSA office in room CE1350 or visit lcsa.com.
