COLUMN: Students potentially have a powerful voice

“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote” is a quote that sits on my desk. It was given to me by the ASUSU Executive Council that pledged they were going to vote on Nov. 2, and on Election Day they were part of the 22 million citizens between the ages of 18 to 30 who voted. Many of you were among the throng too, although waiting in lines to vote was reportedly close to two or even three hours. So now the question is: Was it worth it?

This election was hailed the most important election of our generation by many media groups and political parties and it’s no wonder. We are faced with so many issues and these issues will have lasting impacts on our country for generations to come, and on Tuesday you voted for who you thought came close to holding the same views as you.

Now whether you agree with who actually won and who would have done a better job is up to friendly debate with friends, but your voice was still heard. I would argue however, the place your vote was heard the most was in the state of Utah.

One of the biggest complaints I’ve received this year is about tuition. Hopefully, you have been to one of President Kermit L. Hall’s presentations on tuition, and my compliments if you have, but if you haven’t let me sum up the problem: the state Legislature.

The state Legislature has cut funding to higher education over the years resulting in a substantial loss of money to retain faculty and staff and operating budgets for the entire university. One of the reasons is they think students don’t care because students don’t vote. If we voted and became an active force in politics, legislators would be forced to listen. USU has more than 20,000 students around the state and that would be a powerful voice, but we don’t vote so they don’t listen.

If you want to see a shift in attitude about higher education continue to vote and write your legislator. Your voice can make a difference and thanks for voting.

Tagg Archibald is the executive vice president for ASUSU. Comments can be sent to tharch@cc.usu.edu.