In a close race for Student Government Association executive slate, U.N.I.T.E.D. Initiative won with 2,166 votes versus Vote Bare's 1,868 votes. In comparing this election to those of years past, three points arise that give hope for future elections.
First, this year's voter turnout was the second highest in 10 years. This election's 4,034 total votes was bested only by 2004's turnout of 4,042 - a mere difference of nine votes.
High voter turnout is a desirable aspect of any election. This year's election shows that at least some currently enrolled students care about the university and the people responsible for changing it for the better.
In spite of the high turnout compared to other years, only a fraction of Ball State's students voted in this election. SGA must continue to examine why so few students vote.
Second, the margin of victory in this year's election is the smallest in the last decade. This year's election was decided by a margin of only 7 percent. The next closest margin in the last decade was 10 percent in 1999.
The small margin of victory could be attributed to many factors, from how the slates campaigned to media coverage. One thing is clear from the results, however: This year, both slates inspired a similar number of people to vote, making it an extremely close race.
Lastly, the voter turnout for Election 2007 was more than 2006 by a large margin. Last year's turnout, 3,567 votes, is 467 votes fewer than this year's 4,034.
Ideally, voter turnout should be increased each year until 100 percent of the student body is weighing in on who should run SGA. In reality, however, an increase of nearly 500 votes from one year to the next is a great start. This trend should be continued in future elections, no matter how unlikely it is that 100 percent of the student body will vote.
All numbers for this year's election indicate good things. High voter turnout, a small margin of victory and increased voter turnout are all trends that should continue in future elections.
Though Election 2008 is a year away, SGA and U.N.I.T.E.D. Initiative already have a daunting task in front of them - continuing the statistical trends next election.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
