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 Edward Chiao
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When students log onto their MyUCLA pages over the next day and
a half, the first thing they should do is vote “yes” on
the Undergraduate Student Association Council programming
referendum. The referendum, which will increase mandatory student
fees by $8.50 per quarter next year, will enable USAC to greatly
expand its programming to benefit the UCLA community.
Only 21 percent of students voted in this year’s USAC
election ““ if voter turnout for this referendum is any lower,
it will never get off the ground. At least 20 percent of students
must vote on any referendum for it to come into effect. This would
be devastating to a council already hamstringed by a $30,000 cut to
its discretionary funds next year. Moreover, a strong turnout will
encourage USAC to support online elections, which would likely
further increase voter turnout. Unlike the potentially large
student fee increase being considered by UC administrators to
compensate for budget shortfalls, the money raised by the
referendum will go directly back to the students and requires
student approval. If students want to pay more to increase the
quality of life at the university, which this referendum will do,
they should by all means be able to. Because this referendum offers
such direct benefits to students, Chancellor Carnesale should
consider waiving the 20 percent voter turnout clause if it garners
a majority of affirmative votes from the students who do take part.
So, log on to your MyUCLA page and vote to maintain and improve
student programming.