There is no denying that we are a community of change-makers.
We were the first university in the nation to name a department “feminist studies.” The first-ever commencement ceremony on our campus in 1969 was disrupted by passionate students who awarded an Honorary Degree to Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton.
But come May, when students can directly make a change through campus elections, there tends to be crickets.
In 2024, only 1,164 students voted — around 7 percent of the undergraduate population. The year prior, 13 percent of undergraduate students voted. In the past four years, this percentage has never been higher than 40 percent of the student body.
If less than 25 percent of the student body vote, our whole community suffers. Without 25 percent or more of the student body vote, measures are unable to pass. This is roughly 4,500 students. Take “Measure 11,” which appeared on last year’s ballot and looked to fund the department of Performance, Play and Design. It failed to pass despite nearly 80 percent of voters supporting it.
The Student Union Assembly board acts as our megaphone to administration. They listen to each and every complaint, petition and demand sent their way. They have the rare privilege of speaking with the chancellor and UC Office of the President directly.
But when there is a call to action, why do so many of us not vote?
Our graduate students. Staff. Frontline workers. They serve us daily and have to picket just to negotiate with the university.
Our programs are being cut one by one due to the budget deficit.
We can take better care of our community, and voting is one way we can do it.
UC Santa Cruz students: It’s time to stand up.
*Ballots are open Monday, May 5 until Friday, May 16. They can be found here.
