The Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) passed the clubs and societies referendum on Dec. 4, giving clubs and societies on campus an additional $1.75 per semester.
The referendum was held because of widespread upset over the amount of money clubs and societies were receiving, after overspending by last year’s CUSA executive made it appear this year’s budget was greatly reduced. Fifty-three per cent of students voted in favour of the increase, with a voter turnout of 21 per cent.
“The commitment to sticking to $120,000 was a huge risk in terms of students liking CUSA executives,” said CUSA president Fahd Alhattab. “People felt the pinch, so they were motivated to show up and remind their volunteers to show up and vote. Until an issue really bothers you, you don’t get engaged.”
Last year’s referendum posed questions about clubs and societies, the health plan, and the bursary fund. The bursary fund question passed, while the other questions did not. The clubs and societies question failed by about one per cent, Alhattab said.
“Because this question has been asked several times, people heard this question before and a lot of individuals were tired of it not passing,” Alhattab said.
CUSA elections chief electoral officer Matthew Swain said voter turnout was strong in this referendum, especially compared to the referendum last spring.
“This fall we had a turnout of 21.1 per cent, while last spring saw 17.6 per cent of eligible voters participate,” Swain said.
Alhattab said the increase in voter turnout could be attributed to the timing of the referendum.
“When you’re asking three questions and they are all increases to a fee, students are going to vote no,” Alhattab said. He added that asking only one question allowed students to focus their efforts on passing just the one question, and also didn’t overwhelm students.
“Success for this referendum question is a success for everyone, all the students involved in clubs and societies,” said Sophia Dala, CUSA vice-president (internal).
Alhattab said the strong results could lead to more referenda being held in the fall term, but holding two referenda comes with additional costs, and future associations need to take that into consideration.
Swain said he thinks holding the referendum in the fall instead of the spring was key in producing strong results.
“Posing a question to the student body after they’re worn out from the CUSA elections can lead to some apathy,” he said.
“It shows a huge shift in students recognizing that we need more money for clubs on campus,” Alhattab said. “This isn’t just a victory for today, it’s a victory for the years to come.”
The new levy comes into effect in fall of 2016.
