by Joseph Rojo |
Every year around this time of year, the annual ASUP Fall Elections happen. In this election cycle ASUP Senators are elected. A few questions that always come up are: “Why should I vote? Does it even make a difference? What does ASUP even do?” These are questions that every UP student has asked at one point.
Every vote does make a difference and every vote does matter. By voting, you allow someone to represent your needs, concerns, your voice and work toward making changes to benefit each of us. ASUP has made a difference in the lives of students. ASUP helps support, whether through funding or logistic support campus traditions such as Rock the Bluff, Riverboat, and Anchors Away. We created a Student Body Non-Discrimination Policy that was inclusive of various identities to give voice to those on the margins of our community. During this time we also ran various PSAs and poster campaigns bringing awareness to mental health, Green Dot and the concept of privilege.
This year we are working to restructure ASUP to make it more inclusive while also improving the social climate of our school by empowering student leaders and creating a culture in which we can talk honestly and openly about sensitive issues such as mental health and interpersonal power based violence. However, this can only happen with each and every one of you. Each of you has a voice and has the ability to make a difference and be a part of change. Each of you can make a difference. There are so many ways to get involved and make a difference. One of those ways is to go out and vote!
Election Days are Sept. 29-30. You can vote on pilots.up.edu. As Elections Officials, we will be tabling in convenient areas for you to vote like The Commons. You have the power to make a difference. You have a voice. You can make change happen. Next Tuesday and Wednesday go out and vote! Joseph Rojo is a junior biology major and ASUP Secretary. He can be reached at rojo17@up.edu.
