Only about 150 students voted in the Rideau River Residence Association’s (RRRA) referendum, which was asking students to increase RRRA’s levy by $5 a semester. This represents an abysmal four per cent of the total population living in residence.
This increase is about 14 per cent, decided by a paltry sum of students.
While students living in residence must take the initiative, the larger failing is clearly with RRRA for being complacent with apathy at best. The timing of the vote alone discourages students from voting as it is the busiest time of year. Not only that, but students, especially—first-years—are looking forward to next year when many will move off-campus. RRRA knows this and could combat the “who cares” attitude by reminding students of those who will be taking their place soon.
It is not a time when students are able to become informed on a levy vote, especially given voting took place over one day. Executives could place referendum votes at less stressful times of the year so students have more time to think critically about the levy.
RRRA should make the information readily available. The association should let students vote online instead of ballot boxes, and more importantly should extend voting beyond one day.
When many residence students were surprised by the ballot boxes, they didn’t have time to make an informed decisions. By making it easier for students to participate it puts the onus right where it should be—on the student body.
