by Andrew D. Jankowski
Like most Americans, I’m sure the word election induces visceral reaction, like remembering exactly what and how much you drank last night. Yet . . . did you know there is an election happening on the PSU campus right now?
The Associated Students of Portland State University (ASPSU) is basically the student council of college. The Portland State Vanguard (where I am currently the online & social media editor) has recently written about ASPSU’s functions and how they serve on and off campus students. Even though the president and vice president are running unopposed this year (as, basically, as the senators and Student Fee Committee candidates), your participation still matters.
For example, there are diverse, highly qualified Senator or Student Fee Committee candidates, only some of whom actively participated in the debate process. Maybe some of these candidates are your friends, maybe you have argued with some of these people on the internet, maybe you’ve never heard of any of them before, but the fact of the matter is they play a major role in how your student incidental fees are spent, which in turn affects what kind of programs, resources and clubs PSU can offer.
Whether you’re upset with how Donald Trump & Co. are running the country or not, it’s still important to make your voice heard and engage with everyone else who was on the ballot and won in 2016. Whether you’re an ASPSU cheerleader, a sharp critic of the outgoing/current administration, or are just now tuning into the workings of PSU student government, this kind of civic discourse is important, both for the candidates and you.
(There’s also an election going on in Multnomah County on May 16, and as I’m fortunate enough to live in walking distance of the voter’s office, I’ll probably walk my ballot down this year, weather permitting.)
For more information on ASPSU candidates, their platforms, and what has gone on this year, visit psuvanguard.com and feel free to leave comments on any stories that resonate.
To vote, visit http://elections.aspsu.pdx.edu/ by May 3 and use your ODIN to log in.