The power of your vote
John Bauters
Letter to the editor
Today is the run-off election for the 2001 Student Body President/Vice President race. When I took on the job of elections commissioner a year ago, there was a great deal of skepticism and doubt about the value of student government and the quality of the elections process here at Notre Dame. Over the past year, Judicial Council and I have worked to provide the students with the best possible atmosphere for an election.
Many people have worked hard to bring you organized campaigning, a candidate forum and a debate. Perhaps the people who have worked hardest however are the candidates themselves.
As a government major I have listened to many distinguished professors and scholars discuss elections in a variety of contexts. A number of my professors have addressed the significance of the vote. "One vote," they have said, "does not matter." According to their views, which I highly respect, the only case where a vote matters is when an election is decided by only one vote. Statistically speaking, I suppose that this is indeed correct.
However, as a social science major and in the spirit of election day here at Notre Dame, I would like to offer a varying perspective to the Notre Dame student body.
A vote is not limited to its numerical value. A vote, to begin with, is an expression. Whether you vote for a candidate because they are your best friend, because you believe in their platforms or maybe just because you like their last name, a vote is an expression of what matters to you.
There is no wrong reason for why one casts a vote. Many people will not vote today. I do see this as an abomination of civic duty. However, I would like to offer some thoughts on what a vote can mean.
Every candidate in this election has worked long and hard to discuss ideas, propose changes and solicit your support. By voting you show appreciation for their efforts. Whether a candidate gets 1,000 votes or one vote, that one vote recognizes the efforts they have made to serve others.
When this day is over, one ticket will ascend to the office of student body president/vice president, but there will not be five losing tickets. The power of that one vote can give any student, person or candidate the support they need to realize that their contribution was valuable. Having worked with all six tickets in this year's election, I have realized the quality of the student body here in a way I never experienced before.
Everyone who has run this year has been truly committed to serving students to the best of their abilities. Though they can not all win this election, they have demanded the respect of Notre Dame students for the efforts they have made in order to offer you a choice. We are all privileged to have this choice today. I have no doubt that the candidates in this year's election will all leave Notre Dame and continue to serve and lead in life wherever they go. They have attained many new skills and built on existing strengths from their experience in this election.
It is my belief that your vote matters. While it might not be the statistical significance that sets your vote apart from the rest in the end, by marking that ballot today, you have endorsed leadership, service and hard work. You have acknowledged the efforts your peers are making to create a better Notre Dame and you are solidifying those qualities that will make them successful when they leave here. Having said this, I ask only that you reflect for a moment on one time when you put all your efforts into a task.
The most wonderful feeling is knowing that other people found value in your contribution. Don't let numbers interfere with expression. Support. Confirm. Create. Your vote is what will turn students into leaders.
Thank you also to everyone who has worked so hard to make this election the success it has been. I can't believe I will actually regain my social life this weekend. Most importantly though, thank you to the 12 candidates who participated in this year's election. Your diverse range of backgrounds, ideas and modes of creativity has reinspired my faith in the future. You all have much to be proud of.
John Bauters
junior
Keenan Hall
February 14, 2001
All Viewpoint Stories for Thursday, February 15, 2001
