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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 28, 2004)
VOTING continued from page 1 not alone in their apathy. "I don't think that student elections are much different than any other elections," Melton said. "It's hard to engage young folks in political processes ... 1 think that if we could learn how to engage students in the political process at large, you would see the trend of voting go way up." The dangers of low voter turnout Voter turnout on the University cam pus is low, and many student govern ment officials and University experts see this trend as a serious problem. "It's definitely a problem when 17,000 students on this campus are affected by the ASUO, and only a small portion of them realize it," ASUO Elections Coordinator Stephanie Day said. University political scientist and survey researcher Joel Bloom said that when voter turnout is low, or ganized student groups find it easier to elect the leaders that will repre sent their interests. The problem is those leaders may not represent the interests of the majority. "The most obvious impact (of low voter turnout) is that organized groups have a big advantage," Bloom said. "That's one of the rea sons the greek system has been so successful in ASUO elections." Some think low voter turnout is not necessarily hurtful to a democ racy, however. Bloom said there is one vein of thought in political sci ence that suggests low voter turnout may actually be a good thing, be cause those who refrain from voting either don't care or aren't educated on the issues or candidates anyway. But ASUO President-elect Adam Nationwide decline in college age voting Source: Committee for the study of the American Electorate Career Center 220 Hendricks Hali* (541) 346-3235 http://uocareer.uoregon.edu O GOT A STORY IDEA? Petkun said it's hard to find a stu dent who doesn't care at all about housing standards or tuition hikes. Also, all students, regardless of their involvement in ASIIO programs, have a stake in how their incidental fees are spent. Petkun said it's easy for candidates to campaign to students involved in greek organizations, club sports, ASUO programs and residence hall inhabitants, because they are the easiest to access in group settings. He agreed with Bloom that this tac tic can alienate students not in volved in these organizations. "It's supposed to be a representa tive government, and it's hard to say that you're representing everyone when only a small number of peo ple turn out to vote," Petkun said. Contact the campus/federal politics reporter at jaredpaben@dailyemerald.com. CAMPUS BUZZ Wednesday Men's Center Walkathon Against Sexual As sault, EMU Amphitheater, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Caregiver Support Group, EMU Board Room, noon-1 p.m. Student Travel Fund Presentation, Room 206, Lawrence Hall, noon-1 p.m. William Sullivan reads from his book “Cabin Fever: Notes From a Part-Time Pioneer," Browsing Room, Knight Library, 7 p.m. GIVE ME 5! Run your "for sale" ad (items under $1,000) for 5 days in the ODE Classified Section. If the item(s) doesn't sell, call us at 346-4343 and we’ll run it again for another 5 days free! LAZAR’S BAZAR Closeout Sale 57 W. Broadway • 687-0139 Downtown = ‘select items only www.lazars.com EUROPEAN VACATION Pick up your new Volvo in Europe and get 2 free airline tickets and return of your car to the US after your vacation. Bob Crist “M/e got free airline tickets, traveled 1200 miles in Europe in our new Volvo and really liked the car. It's a great deal." See Sheppard Motors for details now. “You don't have to pay more to get more!" 2300 W 7th Ave • 343-8811 AMAZING AZUMANO AIRFARES ROUNDTRIP FROM PORTLAND: LONDON PARIS FRANKFURT HONOLULU TOKYO BUSINESS CLASS LONDON $449 $485 $5 I 0 $408 $540 $4250 Azumano Travel I Travel Services Representative 541-687-2250 www.azumano.com * 800 Olive St. • Eugene, OR 97401 Fares are per person round-trip from Portland, based on availability, l isted fares arc valid for select periods and curry advance purchas requirements. Taxes and fees are additional. Fares subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Valid 4/23 - 4/30/04.
