|
Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. As citizens, it is our civic duty to vote in every election, and the upcoming election of our Associated Students of Bakersfield College officers is no exception.
“Isn’t the student government election just a popularity contest?” you ask. Not true. Unlike high school, where the student government is very much a bastion of the popular clique, ASBC actually has power and responsibilities that affect the students of BC.
The college has in place a system called “shared governance,” where members of ASBC serve on administrative committees dealing with students’ concerns, such as parking, book prices and the upcoming 16-week calendar, which goes into effect next fall. ASBC officers also meet regularly with BC President Dr. Sandra Serrano, district Chancellor Dr. Walter Packard and the Board of Trustees to advise them on the pulse of the BC student body and, in many cases, are the only link between the students and the administration.
In addition to providing the students with a voice, ASBC raises funds for student organizations, activities and scholarships through the sale of ASBC stickers. The forensics team, the Music Department’s annual “A Christmas in Kern” concert, the Learning Center and the various student clubs are examples of the many things that benefit from ASBC money.
So when it comes time to cast your ballot in the ASBC election May 8 and 9, do your civic duty and vote.
And when you’re at the polls, feeling like you’ve “sold out” by giving into the “popularity contest” aspect of it all, keep in mind that it’s not a matter of popularity — it’s a matter of flexing your power as a student and letting your voice be heard in what happens on the Bakersfield College campus.