Officials seek “new” approach to combat low turnout that traditionally falls below 10 percent of the student body
Voter turnout is a noted problem in many elections, but percentages in the single digits for a UCSU election are somewhat disappointing, say UCSU officials.
Sean Daly, the new election commissioner, said he is determined to increase voter turnout for this election by using more effective advertising and more student e-mails.
Daly said only 9 percent of students voted in last fall’s election. The spring election showed a 22 percent turnout because Tri-executive seats are open, he said.
“The spring’s turnout was average, but the publicity effort seemed disappointing to me,” Daly said. “Fall turnout is traditionally much lower. The last two fall turnouts that I have been here for have been disappointing, in the single digits percentage.”
One of the main goals for the election is to make as many students as possible aware of the upcoming election, Daly said. There is a goal of 20 percent turnout for this election, he said
“We intend to approach the issue of UCSU elections in a new and more engaging fashion,” Daly said. “We plan on using more traditional forms of voter outreach, including fliers and face-to-face interaction.”
UCSU will send out weekly student e-mails until the election begins and has already placed an ad in The Onion for the upcoming election.
Daly said he is eager to meet with as many students as possible in-person.
“We’re hoping to be able to talk to residence halls, go to different events on campus (and) to generally be available and outgoing in terms of getting out the vote and why it’s important,” Daly said.
UCSU is also holding a new logo design contest. Fifth-year senior Hadley Brown, co-director of legislative affairs, said she thinks the contest will boost publicity for the election.
“The elections are important because UCSU funds a huge portion of the student life and construction projects,” Daly said.
The election begins on Oct. 22 run through Oct. 26. Students can vote online through CUConnect.
UCSU announced the candidates running for the five Representative-at-Large Legislative Council seats Wednesday.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Julie Ryan at Julie.ryan@colorado.edu
