After a month of heavy advertisements, headshots and campaigns, the Whitewater Student Government (WSG) election has concluded. With more than 600 total votes, junior Isaiah Wilson, a political science major, is UW-W’s new president-elect. Senior Paige Linneman, a marketing major, is the new vice president-elect. Both bring valuable insight to their new roles.
Additionally, all four proposed referenda passed. Referendum 1 received 517 of 561 votes, Referendum 2 received 484 of 546, Referendum 3 received 524 of 551 and Referendum 4 received 504 of 550.
The WSG holds regular elections to ensure every student has the opportunity for their voices to be heard by a democratic process. The WSG also ensures that students are always able to voice their opinions and student experiences at the highest level, as explained by student body president Douglas A. Bradley III.
Bradley said there is an elected member of the WSG in the room when most campus decisions are made. He described the most important aspects of the WSG, what they do and how they accomplish their goals.
“The biggest things we accomplish are funding and committee-related,” Bradley said. “Most of our work, especially in the fall, is funding-related.”
Making it simple for students to become involved in student government is crucial for outreach. It allows the voices of students to be heard through their votes, even if they are not directly involved with decision making.
“It’s always a goal of ours to have as many students as possible involved,” Bradley said.
Clerk Sadie West also spoke on the topic, noting just how many students do get out and vote.
“In the fall, we have a senate election,” West said. “We do try to get as many students involved and to vote. Last spring totaled around 500 votes, and this year it was over 600.”
With a 20% increase in voters in just one year, it is clear efforts to increase involvement are working.
One of the final sentiments Bradley shared was how the WSG will always support students.
“You don’t have to be involved to know that the WSG is looking out for you and representing you,” Bradley said.
Any student can become involved in the WSG, with weekly meetings every Monday at 7 p.m. in UC 259.
