Our View: USUSA Elections

The Utah Statesman Editorial Board is deeply disappointed by the 2025 USUSA election season. This year, an unprecedented number of candidates ran unopposed, effectively walking into positions of power without challenge. This trend is concerning because it hands influence to a select few without competition or accountability and rebukes the university’s attempt at democracy.

Utah State is unique in the relationship it fosters between student government and university leadership, faculty and staff. USUSA officers are given the power to make decisions that directly impact every student across the state. These positions come with power, responsibility and ample benefits. Every USUSA position, whether elected or appointed, comes with a substantial scholarship.

Yet, as these elections become less competitive, the board implores students to be truly engaged in the leadership that represents them and vote to ensure those in power are the best and most qualified for the job.

The board now calls for greater transparency in all aspects of USUSA elections. Students deserve to know how their representatives are chosen, how their campaigns are run and what steps are being taken to encourage broader participation. Without these changes, the integrity of student leadership remains at risk.

Readers are encouraged to act now by voting in this election and to consider running for office next election season. USUSA positions have a role for every single student to fill, whether that be a statewide leadership position, an academic senator or an events director.

The Statesman will be holding a debate on Feb. 25 in the TSC Hub for students to get to know the officers who will be representing them next year and to decide who to vote for.

– The Editorial Board

Editor’s Note: The Utah Statesman is committed to fair and unbiased elections coverage. The Statesman ecouages feedback on each edition.

— editor@usustatesman.com