ASG’s prominence on campus

Of the 31,000 students at Bellevue College, about 1,000 voted in the recent Associated Student Government elections. That’s only around 3 percent voter turnout.
To get a feel for how very low three percent actually is, consider voter turnout for the 2012 presidential election. 57.5 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot.
I myself did not vote. I remember thinking I would have voted, but I didn’t know how. Apparently, there was a voting center inside the offices on the second floor of C building. Voting itself seemed pretty easy, it’s simply a walk into the center of campus. Voting on the internet would probably just consist of clicking through some websites, and filling out an online form. However, I just never knew about these voting methods. So, when the election came around, it just passed me by. Although I would have voted if it was easily available, I wasn’t going to actively search for the details of the student government election process.
To improve this situation I was thinking there could be posters advertising the website link. Any time I’m on campus I walk by several posters advertising various events. I was somewhat aware elections were going on, and even some of the candidates just from poster, yet despite having easy access to that information, how to actually vote was unknown. It would probably only take a few well placed posters for the information to get out.            Perhaps one poster could be placed at the entrance of each major building. Even 10 posters could greater increase the exposure people have about the method of student voting.
Other possible ideas could sending an email out to students with this information. That way online student could be included. An online student might also feel like having a say in student government. Many student have registered an email account. Official emails are already sent out via the bellevuecollege.edu route. However, I realize some students seldom check this email. I’m thinking this is because students are already used to the previous, personal email. Students should be able to link their regular account to the bellevuecollege.edu. With these changes a quick email I believe would inform masses of students. Within these emails of the future a voting link could even be included. Maybe teachers could make an announcement in classes? A few words could make the difference between a student voting or not.
Another issue is there weren’t even enough people running to cover all available student government positions. These are paid positions. Given this economic downturn, surely there are people out there who could use a job. Perhaps a major reason no one is filling the positions is they aren’t even informed there are available openings? With just a few advertising changes, participation in student government might be greatly enhanced.