Editorial

Elections Suck

Kara Chow - News Editor

I want to say first thing that the reason why we have elections doesn’t suck. Elections give the students at TRU the opportunity to shuffle the student union deck and elect new faces to council. If students don’t like the way things are being run, voting is the only way they can attempt to make a difference. If you don’t vote, don’t complain about how things are being run. Simple as that.

Now that the clarification is out of the way – I hate election time on campus, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. From the bits of coloured paper all over the floors to the campaigners harassing you to vote for them on your way to class, there isn’t one bit of the campus election process that’s enjoyable.

My problem with the papers is, what do you do with them after you’ve voted? Most of the time I see the coloured squares of paper scattered across the hallway floors. I don’t know if people think they’re too small to toss in a recycling bin, but they’re certainly not the most eco-friendly idea. I believe there should be a more economical way of getting your face recognized.

The thing that irks me the most is the in-your-face approach nominees take to get you to vote for them. Nothing irritates me more than someone trying to buy my vote by stopping me while I’m on my way to class or trying to get to the Tim Horton’s line while it’s still short.

However, during my five years here at TRU I’ve thought of a couple ways to avoid being approached. Since it’s my last year at this fine establishment, I thought I’d share my wisdom with you for future reference:

1. Seem distracted. No one will approach you if you seem completely distracted. Ladies, pretend there’s something in your purse you really need but can’t find. Gentlemen, same thing goes for you and your backpacks or messenger bags. No one likes talking to a frustrated person. Trust me – after years in customer service, I know.

2. Plug in those headphones. This one has worked the best for me in the past. Whenever I had the headphones for my iPod in my ears, no one has stopped me in my tracks. I guess the nominees don’t want to trouble you by making you take out your ear buds.

3. Walk and talk. Nothing says “I’m busy” like having an in-depth conversation on your cell phone. Heck, you don’t even have to be talking to a person on the other line, just put your phone to your ear and pretend you’re talking to your aunt or grandma.

4. Don’t make eye contact. This is almost the same as seeming distracted, but instead of busying yourself with something, just act completely disinterested. The cold shoulder is always a good way to get people to leave you alone.

5. Run. If all else fails, just go as fast as you can past the situation.

Now that I’ve given you my words of wisdom, I’m going to say again that I’m not telling you not to vote. Please do. The elections are now over, but there will be plenty more in the future. Nothing works better than just doing your part and telling the nominees that you’ve already voted.