Letter to the Editor

If you've been reading the Miscellany lately, you've probably noticed a lot of discussion surrounding elections in the Vassar Student Association (VSA). There has been talk of filing periods, campaigning periods, candidate meetings and the rest of it.

The discussions we have engaged in are valuable, but none of it is to forget the most important part of elections: You!

So long as elected candidates speak and voters choose, VSA elections are very much defined by the people who engage in them. As April approaches, and we begin to prepare for the annual democratic ritual of spring elections, your participation will be a vital contribution to student government and, in turn, to life here at Vassar.

Now that might seem daunting, so here's the even better news: Whoever you are, and whatever your personal experiences or goals, there is a part for you to play.

Maybe you're ready to take the lead role. Elected positions exist in several capacities, from the VSA Executive Board to house teams to special committee positions.

Perhaps you would rather be a supporting character. Most VSA meetings are open to the public, and most committees welcome new members from at large.

Even if you prefer a spot in the seats, there is still a role to fulfill. Contact your representative, speak up about what you see and be sure to vote.

Just as actors perform, representatives exist to serve you.

Help them to do their jobs more fully, and you will probably find that you're helping yourself out too.

—Seth Warner '14 and Matthew Wheeler '12 are co-Chairs of the Board of Elections.