On Friday, April 7, the Associated Students of Central Oregon Community College met to decide which positions should be elected or appointed as elections for the 2023 approach. The student body president was elected democratically.
Email ballots were sent to every student, but voter turnout was 2.8%, or 130 students in 2022. The other elected positions received no votes. While there was some discussion, all in attendance agreed that the student president should be elected, and the others should be appointed.
The low voter turnout was as expected. “2.8% is right in line with the national average,” said Lindsay Buccafafurni, Assistant Director of Student Life. Most colleges have now started appointing positions since voter turnout is so low.
ASCOCC Office Coordinator Joe Karli asked, “With a number like that, is it really democratic to be basing an election on votes? Are qualified people too intimidated to run?”
There were no applicants in the last election for any position other than student president. Applicants were in charge of all of their own advertising and campaigning except for an emailed ballot that was sent to all COCC students.
ASCOCC President Dray Aguirre said, “I want to make sure students remain heard. What we do is important; how we allocate the money is important.”
According to voter turnout, many students are unaware of the student government and what they do. ASCOCC decides how money is allocated to clubs and how it is spent on things that improve students’ lives on campus.
Oscar Tovar, in charge of financial affairs said, “I am hesitant to make student affairs an appointed position.”
In reference to assessing candidates that run for elected positions, ASCOCC Internal Affairs Coordinator Mal Sotelo said, “There is no way to assess student abilities and whether they are able to do the job.”
Benjamin Enyart
Reporter
