SHAPING THE FUTURE
ANTICIPATING THE SPRING ELECTIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
As we transition from the recent Winter Special Election, the University of Oregon's student body eagerly looks forward to the upcoming Spring Elections. With the lessons learned from the past election fresh in our minds, there is a collective call for positive change and increased engagement. Two crucial amendments take center stage, poised to reshape the landscape of our student government: the "Amendment to Enhance Voter Turnout Accountability and Candidate Engagement" and the "Amendment to Allow Impeachment of Unopposed Elected ASUO Members."
Amendment to Enhance Voter Turnout Accountability and Candidate Engagement:
Coming off a Winter Special Election where visibility and awareness were major concerns, the proposed amendment seeks to address these issues head-on. With less than 1,600 students out of a student body exceeding 22,000 participating in the last election, there's a clear need for measures to enhance voter turnout. The proposed changes include displaying the number of students who voted against the total number of eligible students on the election results page, fostering transparency and encouraging efforts to engage the student body in the electoral process.
Moreover, the introduction of a requirement for candidates to complete a minimum of 10 hours of campaigning per week for two weeks leading up to the election aims to ensure active engagement. Recognizing the diversity of student schedules and commitments, the amendment allows for a variety of campaigning methods, both in-person and online, to cater to the diverse needs of our student body.
Amendment to Allow Impeachment of Unopposed Elected ASUO Members:
Building on the momentum of accountability, the second amendment focuses on unopposed elections, a prevalent issue in recent ASUO elections. With several members securing positions with minimal votes, the student body recognizes the need for a mechanism to hold unopposed elected members accountable. The proposed amendment allows students to initiate impeachment proceedings against unopposed members if they received less than 10% of the student body (less than 2,200 votes) and were elected. Impeachment efforts would be valid only if they gather more signatures in favor of impeachment than the ASUO member received in the original election.
Additionally, the amendment includes a crucial restriction preventing impeached members from seeking reelection if they decide to run unopposed again. This ensures that individuals who faced impeachment due to a lack of significant student support do not have the opportunity to re enter office without genuine competition.
As we approach the Spring Elections, the University of Oregon's student body is poised for transformative change. These amendments are not just about fixing the flaws of the past but about building a more accountable, engaged, and representative future for our ASUO. By advocating for these amendments, we are taking a proactive step towards shaping a student government that truly reflects the diversity and interests of our vibrant campus community. The upcoming Spring Elections are not just a vote; they are a declaration of our commitment to a more transparent, engaged, and accountable university experience. Let our voices be heard, and let our votes pave the way for positive change.
