Come Monday, the responsibility lies squarely on your shoulders, CMU.

Voting opens Monday morning for the 2007 Student Government Association president and vice president race.

And since ballots are open until 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 30, the “I didn’t have time” excuse is not going to fly.

A deplorable turnout

During last year’s election, only 2,042 students cast their vote, according to Central Michigan Life archives. That’s less than 8 percent of CMU’s student body.

The Dan Nowiski/Tiffany Jones ticket only garnered 58 percent of the vote – 1,166 students – last year. The runners-up – Lonnie Scott and Mike Zeig – received 829 votes, a little more than 41 percent.

Compared to state and national races, it’s a wide percentage margin. But considering how many people voted, it was a lot closer. Only 330 votes separated first and second place.

To think that a few hundred or so extra students could have changed CMU history is astonishing.

What’s even worse is that there were 1,366 fewer votes in this year’s election compared to 2005. This is a trend that needs to stop.

Next week is your chance.

What’s at stake

To think that only 8 percent of CMU’s student body cares who will be its political spokesperson for an entire year is mind-boggling.

Whoever wins next week’s election will have a say in university politics for an entire year. And while the administration really doesn’t have to listen to SGA recommendations (See: Charging textbooks at off-campus locations), it’s not as if SGA goes completely unheard.

There are a slew of important topics this university is faced with every year, and 2007-2008 will be no different. Issues with diversity, general education requirements and campus safety are just a few that could benefit from SGA input.

These issues don’t affect a mere 8 percent of the student body. They affect everyone.

One would think a strong voter turnout next week would not only help bring the best candidates to office next year, but it would let the university know all its students care about SGA-driven issues.

Next week is your chance.

A simple process

Three tickets compose the ballot this year: Sterling Heights senior Mike Zeig and Spring Lake sophomore Katie Dykehouse; Commerce Township senior David Squires and Milan senior Clarence Richardson; and Detroit junior Jerell Erves and Flint sophomore Marceil Davis.

In the same amount of time it takes you to read the previous sentence, you can cast your vote.

Students can vote by going online at https://vote.cmich.edu. Once there, all they have to do is sign in and choose the candidates.

A few clicks and strikes of the keyboard, and you can help make a difference. It’s that easy.

Next week is your chance, CMU.

Don’t waste a great opportunity.

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