Campus

Published on Monday, September 15, 2008
Print This Article

sa

Almost 50 candidates in the running for SA senators


By JAMES TSCHIRHART

The dates of the Student Association elections for student senators are drawing near as candidates begin to campaign.

Elections are Sept. 23 and 24; those who are part of the election process this year are hopeful for a good turnout.

“I’m hoping there’s going to be a strong voter turnout,” said Election Commissioner Rebecca Gerstner. “We’re going to be out there with posters and flyers and big banners stating that this is the place to vote and with the widespread candidate run, it should be a good race.”

Representing five districts, with eight senators per district, a high turnout of 48 candidates will be listed on the ballot. It is the first time in over a decade that a full slate of candidates are running in districts 1 and 2.

“We’ve seen many more running in the freshmen districts, which are districts 1 and 2, and I think it’s a great development,” said SA President Brent Keller. “It’s a very positive development; it’s a sign we’re starting to get freshmen more involved in the process.”

Some of the hot button issues being addressed this year include student fees, student services and a new campus capital improvement fee.

What is the SA?
The Student Association is NIU’s student government body that influences many aspects of student life outside, and sometimes inside, the classroom. All funds are disbursed and approved by SA as the money goes to student services like legal and health services, the Huskie Bus system, campus child care and student organizations.

This year the SA will manage about $1.6 million, which makes it the best-funded student government in the state.
Campus Poll
Campus Poll

The Northern Star conducted a random campus poll asking students what they know about the SA and its elections.

Are you aware that SA senate elections are coming up?
Yes - 32 percent
No - 68 percent

Are you going to vote?
Yes - 40 percent
No - 60 percent

Do you know what the SA does?
Yes - 33 percent
No - 67 percent

*100 students polled

While candidates in some districts will be vying for a senate seat, those in districts 1 and 5 will win by default since they fall under or just make the eight-seat quota for their district.

A problem in the past years for SA elections has been low voter turnout.

“I think a big problem in the past with low voter turnout was the fact that we just accepted voter turnout was low and we never really studied why it was low,” Keller said.

However, the SA is increasing its advertising and promotion for the election this year to raise voting numbers.

“I think it will go well,” Keller said. “We’re busting our butts to make sure students get out and vote and I think that assuming that that happens, more students will have the opportunity to have their voice heard.”

Comment On This Article

All comments are moderated before being published. We will not edit your comments, but we also will not approve those that are abusive, off-topic, attack another poster or contain information we know to be libelous or false.

During peak weekday viewing times, most comments will be reviewed within six hours. For more detailed information, click here.

After submitting your comment, check below for a confirmation message.


  • Your name:
  • Enter text from image:
  • Your comment:
Sign up to receive Northern Star headlines in your inbox, delivered weekdays at 6 a.m.


Feedback? E-mail us.
Question of the Day
Now that the city has a skating rink, do you plan to use it?
Of course.
Probably not.

Real-time updates of recently viewed articles on the site.

1  Pritchard made right decision on handgun bill

2  For police, a new crime-fighting tool: Facebook

3  DeKalb offers treasures for antique-seekers

4  Credit card legislation soon to hit General...

5  Don't let Internet radio go silent