I normally don’t associate UCLA with politics, but for one week during Spring quarter its all about elections. Every year in spring there are elections held for student government positions in USAC (Undergraduate Student Association Council). The positions range from traditional labels such as President, to more specific departments such as Academic Affairs Commissioner. Similar to political elections, the students running participate in debates, campaigning, and designing platforms. I have never been a super political person but its borderline impossible to not get involved during election week. The great thing about USAC elections is they are not associated with any traditional political parties, but rather UCLA specific concerns. The students do often collaborate into parties such as Bruin’s United and Let’s Act, but their platforms are based on student issues. It is a great way to not only learn about issues on campus but to actually have a voice in how UCLA runs events and other student activities. Bruin Walk is always enthusiastic with people passing out flyers and advertising their student groups but election week takes this to an entire new level. Students fill the walkways discussing issues and campaigning for their favorite candidates. Student passion for UCLA truly shines through during this week on campus. Another fun part of student elections is knowing the candidates personally and helping friends campaign. Bruins are incredibly hard working and the time and effort put into their election efforts is incredible! This year I was closer to the process and have seen how dedicated the candidates are to improving our already phenomenal school. A lot of students at UCLA were part of student government in high school and love the opportunity to continue their campus involvement at the collegiate level. Student elections are just another part of campus life that brings Bruins together and makes our school even more spirited.
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I remember the days of the USAC elections on campus. I did my civic duty and voted every election, but at times I found the campaigning annoying. I avoided Bruin Walk like the plague during campaign season because I didn’t like having flyers flung in my face. But I could never escape the campaign workers, who were stationed at every conceivable entrance and exit during the days leading up to the election. The good thing was that the vast majority of them gave only gentle reminders to vote and not to vote for a particular candidate. I knew some of them and knew who they were campaigning for, but they didn’t tell me to vote for their person. I’m sure it’s much the same now than it was when I was on campus, which was twenty-something years ago. 🙂
thank you sharing 🙂