This is really sad. How can less than 2,000 students find their ways to Government of the Student Body polls during last week’s election?

The polls were open for three days, for 12 hours a day. That’s 36 hours of polling during nonsleeping hours. Nobody’s that busy.

A grand total of 1,936 students turned out to vote. On average, that’s only 650 students each day. That is about 50 students per hour. There are about 25,000 eligible Iowa State voters.

Last year, 1,669 students cast their ballots.

Although this year’s turnout was indeed higher, last year the polls were only open one day.

Hmmm … 650 students per day this year versus 1,669 students in one day last year is downright pathetic. A total of 1,936 votes is just under eight percent of the student body. Out of fairness, you could make the argument that 92 percent of the student body has now lost the right to complain about their student government next year.

What is even more shocking is the elections were held in the Memorial Union, the central meeting place of campus where many students congregate, especially with the newly opened food court.

Most students were in the Union or walked by the polling place within the three days the polls were open. They simply must have.

Still most, 92 percent, didn’t vote. To that, we simply ask this: Why?

If this is the same kind of civic participation we can expect from 92 percent of Iowa State graduates, the American society is truly in real trouble. The concept of a democracy is rooted in participation. If citizens don’t participate, don’t take 10 minutes to vote, then it doesn’t work.

What’s interesting is the high voter turnout from student groups such as minority students and those affected by the specialty seats.

Why do people get involved only when someone or something may supposedly threaten them?

Every seat on the senate has a direct impact on the student body of the campus, so why isn’t everyone concerned enough to take the time to vote?

The scary part is, another vote is coming up concerning a re-written GSBconstitution. A vote for or against a new constitution should be more important than electing those to office. Especially if it will restructure the GSBprocesses.

Over 4,700 votes from the student body are needed to pass it. Where will the voters come from?

Nonetheless, all this was good news for Rob Wiese and Matt McLaren, our newly elected GSB president and vice president, respectively. They are to be congratulated for a successful campaign.

Now comes the hard part. Wiese has had no prior GSB experience. He must put his energy into learning the ropes of his new job before taking office next fall. His past leadership experiences prove he is a man of worth, and he must carry that through his time with GSB before and during his term.

McLaren is fortunate to have been associated with GSB, but he, too, must learn the duties of a vice president before his term begins. McLaren must learn to run Senate meetings with authority. He must take charge and put his foot down when necessary.

The job is theirs to do, and if they fail, they will fail the student body.

Wiese and McLaren have hearty goals they want to achieve and they can reach them if they remain focused and keep in touch with the student body.

The other candidates who wanted the executive jobs all put valiant efforts into their campaigns. The diverse group of candidates this year was a pleasure to see and hear. We hope those slates that did not win the presidential race will remain involved in the student government. We need more people willing to give their time and talents back to students.

And, for many candidates, there is always next year.