Editorial: Vote for DSG today!

Students today have an opportunity to vote in the Duke Student Government elections for the six executive board positions and on two referrenda concerning whether the student activities fees should increase. Undergraduates should seize this opportunity to vote and make their voice heard in DSG next year.

There are several important reasons for students to vote this year. First is the fact that there are some candidates running for office who are clearly superior than others, and students should vote to ensure that the best candidates get elected. Especially with five candidates in the presidential race and a higher standard for victory this year than ever before, each and every vote is crucial.

Second, with the recent controversy embroiling DSG, students need to get more involved in the voting process to ensure greater accountability for DSG throughout the year. Only if students get involved will DSG improve and become an organization that actually works effectively for students.

Lastly, the two referrenda on the ballot require a 33 percent participation rate to pass, so students need to get out and vote to ensure that these referrenda have the possiblity of passing. Previous elections have hovered right at this threshold, and it would be a shame if low turnout prevented the student voice from being heard on these important fee increases.

Students can vote online at http://www.dsg.duke.edu/voting.php or can go to vote at one of several polling stations set up in high traffic areas on campus such as the Cambridge Inn or the Bryan Center.

In the executive board elections, The Chronicle has endorsed Taylor Collison for president because of his depth of understanding on the issues DSG will face next year; Clifford Davison for executive vice president because of his extensive parlimentary and managerial experience; Alex Niejelow for vice president for facilities and athletics because of his past work on issues such as safety and his command of the important issues; Avery Reaves for vice president for academic affairs because of his two years experience working with the Academic Affairs Committee; Mimi Wachendorf for vice president for student affairs because of her policy-oriented platform; and Andrew Wisnewski for vice president for community interaction.

The Chronicle also supports both the Duke University Union fee increase and the Student Organization Financing Committee fee increase. The Union needs more funding to bring higher quality speakers and performers and its track record speaks well for its ability to manage funds and use money effectively. SOFC's track record is far less impressive, and the system is in need of drastic overhaul. Nevertheless, many student clubs are woefully underfunded, a problem this increase would help redress.