On Nov. 6, elections for City Council will be held in Ames.

This year, there are two contested elections for seats. Incumbent Riad Mahayni and Andy Bock are the candidates for the 4th Ward, which include living areas Richardson Court Association and Union Drive Association. Matthew Goodman and Pat Brown are the candidates for the at-large seat.

Traditionally, students have had poor participation in these elections, which is a shame considering the amount of influence city council elections have on student life at Iowa State. Students represent approximately half of Ames, so it is important they be considered and heard when important decisions about the city of Ames are made.

The council’s work affects students in the places where they live, work and shop on a regular basis. Students should make their voices heard by participating in these upcoming elections.

The Government of the Student Body wants to make this an easier process for students to get involved in. At the GSB offices in the West Student Office Space, there will be voter registration forms, which can be sent in from the post office in the Memorial Union. Registration forms must be received by the county auditor by Oct. 26.

The election will take place on Nov. 6, with polling locations at Maple-Willow-Larch Commons, Hawthorn Cafe at Frederiksen Court, and at many of the churches along Lincoln Way. Find your polling place at www.storycounty.com/auditor. Once you are registered in Ames, you will not have to worry about registering or getting absentee ballots for any future election. Most importantly though, you will have a voice in the future of Ames.

Daniel Fischer

Junior

Agricultural Business

GSB Director of Government Relations