It couldn’t have been any easier. You didn’t have to leave your dorm room and drive to a poll. No complicated forms, no strange codes; just a UK login. If it was this easy, then why did only 530 freshmen vote in the Student Government Freshmen Election?

Two campaigns, comprised of seven Senate candidates, used Facebook to reach students. With 1,715 members in the Class of 2012’s Facebook group, it’s hard to imagine that only 505 were aware of the election. SG’s Election Chair, Katelyn Wallace, told the Kernel that she felt a change in election dates was responsible for poor voter turnout.

I’d like to think that a massive Internet conspiracy was responsible, because otherwise I would be forced to be disappointed in my fellow freshmen, who were unable to appreciate their voting rights and the power of SG. SG is meant to help students solve problems around campus, allocate funds to student organizations. They are given their power through the student body.

Those freshmen who didn’t vote won’t get a say in any of that. And they shouldn’t dare to complain about it. That’s how democracy works. If you don’t care enough to vote, then you are sending the message that you don’t care what they do. Voting ensures that you have a say in what is happening around campus and making UK a better place. I hope that when the next SG elections roll around, more students will make their voices heard.

Amanda Laborio

journalism freshman