Are you ready for elections?

Student government elections are just around the corner, but students seem largely unaware that they’re coming up. The Associated Students of Portland State University exist as a representative body of the entire student population at Portland State. They work as a key liaison between students and decision makers.

While student governments do not have the same responsibilities as municipal or state governments, those in charge will control essential student resources, communications with state legislators and millions of student fee dollars.

The race is on, with competition for every position from president and vice president to Student Fee Committee member. Elections begin May 4, with debates running up to that point.

Students on campus gave candid interviews about their election readiness:

“I haven’t heard anything about them.”
Kiki Swingley, 19
Junior, pre-nursing

“I had no idea they were going on.”
Rachel Gande, 22
First-year graduate student, publishing

“I don’t know much about it, so I don’t know if I’m ready.”
Thu Hoang, 33
Second-year graduate student, industrial and organizational psychology

“I have been [voting] ever since I was a student. Voting empowers more people to be involved in government or social activities, it’s really important.”
Brandon Silvestre, 25
Junior, business management