Election fever

It’s the time of year again when the University of Southampton is hit by election fever. Facebook is taken over by campaign groups, campus is inundated with banners and posters promoting candidates with eye catching slogans, and it’s the topic of conversation over many portions of curly fries and cups of coffee in the Café.

This year, however, the Sabbatical Officers, Student Leaders, Union Councillors and Trustee elections are all happening at the same time. This means that in the space of two weeks, the future faces of SUSU are all campaigning during what is essentially the biggest job interview available. This is a first, as before this year these elections were handled over a period of time. However, this year it’s all change, and this means an election period bigger than any other. There has been much debate about whether this is a good idea or not: it could cause confusion, and people may be put off by the mass of information coming their way. However, it also means that the election period is two weeks long, and does not continue for the rest of the year, which is a plus for those who tire of campaigns and voting.

Elections aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, let’s be honest. I myself am somewhat ‘politically challenged’, and struggle to understand any sort of political news or happenings – be it on campus, nationally, or internationally – though I completely understand the importance of voting. I admire those who are interested in politics, as the whole thing normally baffles me. However, this year I will be working with the Wessex Scene to cover the elections, and this means getting my head around everything and providing all the news and information our readers need to keep on top of the goings-on leading up to the final results.

Throughout the next two weeks, candidates will be undergoing interviews and debates, hoping to win over the student population for a chance to run SUSU and its many areas. There will be live broadcasts, live blogs, and ‘vox pops’ – campaign teams will interrupt lectures briefly to advertise themselves and to convince students to vote for them – and in the second week concourse will be covered in posters, banners, and team members running around in some very questionable outfits. Finally, on Results Night (1 March this year) we will find out who has won, and students will be able to keep up to date with the event by attending the night in the union, watching live on SUSUtv, listening in on Surge Radio or reading the Wessex Scene’s live blog as they finish their coursework in the library.

The people running in these elections are the people who effectively run your life here at University. The Sabbaticals and the student leaders look after sports, welfare, communities (such as our satellite campuses), SUSU Media teams, democracy, your JCR (support teams in halls), environmental issues and charity causes, amongst so much more. The whole list can be found here: http://www.susu.org/making-a-difference/elections/2012/spring/positions.html. Really, it’s vital we have a say on who is the best person to do the job – which is why everyone is persuaded to cast their vote.

Look out for the logo!

First years may find the whole thing rather baffling, but voting is pretty essential, as you will be choosing the team who will run your union for the next year. Now in my fourth year at the University, I have seen many elections, and have become more and more interested as the years pass. This year, much like last year, I will be watching many of my own friends running for positions – and that is really what makes you more aware of what’s happening.

It’s bound to be a fortnight of mayhem and chaos – but only in the best possible way. There will be arguments, debates, exciting revelations, celebrations and commiserations. My advice would be to get involved – whether you join someone’s campaign team, work with SUSU Media to cover the fortnight’s events, or even just vote!  Elections are just one more exciting date in the calendar when you’re a student at the University of Southampton.

Joanne