On Monday, The Observer editorial staff was derelict in its duty, when it endorsed abstention in the Saint Mary's elections for the reason that there is but one party running. Voting "abstain" would be a vote of "no confidence" according to The Observer.

Instead of urging "no confidence," the Observer staff should be applauding Elizabeth Jablonski-Diehl and Sarah Brown for volunteering to do the job no one else seems willing to do.

That there are no other candidates is not their fault, but the fault of the whole Saint Mary's student body. Also according to The Observer, a vote of "no confidence" would force another election. So, volunteers will suddenly come out of the woodwork? "[Having no choice in an election] is a disturbing trend in student government politics that needs to stop."

The press is the watchdog of the government, so it behooves The Observer staff to encourage participation in student government, not to discourage it.

Michael Swadener

staff

Hessert Center for Aerospace Research

Jan. 28

• Let go of that rainbow
  
• When lost, follow your own path
  
• Alcohol policy should not reflect legal contradictions
  
• Encourage voting