Unfortunately, voter turnout for this election has always been low. Last year less than 10 percent of the students cast their votes. This is probably due to student apathy, but the way elections are conducted makes it difficult for students to be informed of their options or even to be aware that elections are occurring. Candidates will attend an informational meeting on March 29 and 30. They are allowed to begin campaigning on March 31.
Elections occur two weeks later.
If candidates put off campaigning, then students have little time to learn about the issues and their options. There has been one change in the procedures this year. Senator candidates no longer are required to collect 50 signatures from the students in the school in which they are running. The idea is that more students will run if they don't have to collect signatures. As a result, there will be more competition, and the candidates will actively campaign.