The annual student election campaign is underway for the Fanshawe Student Union (FSU).
Nominations for the FSU Elections opened Monday morning, seeking students who want to run for FSU President and Board of Directors.
The election is standard process for Fanshawe, however many different issues will be in the spotlight this year according to FSU President Jerry Thomas.
“There’s a lot of things going on in the education sector. The funding model, with OSAP, reduced funding by the federal government, and a lot of different changes happening… The next leader would be really important to advocate on those issues.”
Thomas specifically named Bill 33 in his advocacy list, but he also says the drop in international student enrolment could also play a huge factor in the election.
“The demographics have changed a lot. The previous year Fanshawe had a 50/50 ratio for international and domestic, so this year it’s more of domestic students and less of international students. How does that turn out, will be the challenge.”
Thomas also emphasized the importance of voter turnout among students. When Thomas was elected last year, 4,215 out of Fanshawe’s eligible 21,000 voters casted a ballot, Thomas grabbing 23% of the total vote.
Thomas will not be on the ballot this year though, as a bylaw states candidates can’t run for more than one year.
Nominations will remain open until February 6th, with the Presidential Debate taking place on February 26th, and the winner being announced on March 4th.
Students can find the full election schedule, nomination packages, and more information here.
