As election approaches, some students just shrug

Posters will line the sidewalks. Candidates will be giving out T-shirts, candy and fliers. ASUSU election week is about to begin.

Despite the candidates’ attempts to promote themselves and win supporters, many students aren’t planning on participating in the elections.

"I won't be voting for anyone," said Kendall Andrews. "I believe in the democratic process, but are they going to help me get better grades? They are the people who plan events and parties, but I don't go to those things, so I don't feel the need to vote."

Andrews, a political science major, said he knows that leaders are an important part of any institution. However, he believes that because USU is a government-funded university, students should instead pay more attention to what is happening in the Utah Legislature and with national issues dealing with funding for higher education.

Online voting for ASUSU primary and final elections will take place next week. Campaigning officially begins on Monday.

Freshman Lexi Benson has never witnessed an election on USU’s campus. She said because she is unfamiliar with the election process and the candidates, she isn't interested in student politics.

“I know they do a lot of things and it’s a lot of work to campaign, but I probably won’t vote because I don’t know any of them and I don’t think it can affect me very much,” Benson said. “I’m sure whoever wins will do a good job.”

According to USU's website, though there were more than 24,000 students enrolled at USU, only 3,077 voted in the 2011 student presidential primary election.

Luci Griffiths, a senior, said the less than 15 percent voter turnout could be due to a lack of controversy among the candidates.

"People care about issues, not people. I think to a lot of people, ASUSU elections are a popularity contest," Griffiths said. "Students get informed and involved when there is some sort of controversy."

Not all students share this opinion.

“Elections are fun,” Jake Frisby said. “A lot of people fear change and fight that, but they’re the people that say this school is ran by the third floor. Don’t complain. Do something about it, run for something. If you are going to sit there and complain about everybody else, step up and do something about it.”

Matt Skabelund, Katie Carter, Parker Jeppesen, Julia Stock, Jessica Jolley, Adison Pace and Victoria Hepworth contributed to this report.