student Union Reports Largest Voter Turnout

in Recent History

The UPEI Student Union recently held its fall by-election to elect members to positions not filled in last year’s general election. The October 1 and 2 election was a trial run for the union’s new online vot- ing system, designed in response to stu- dents’ concerns and aimed at increasing voter participation. Excitement was fur- ther boosted by the vacancy in the office of Executive Vice President, resulting in four strong candidates vying for the position.

“By creating the Online WebVote, our Student Union has dramatically increased the potential for students to par- ticipate in our electoral process,” said Brandon MacKenzie, Student Union President. “We recognized the need for change surrounding our electoral system and the new process is a collaboration of all our collective efforts.”

This year’s turnout was 795 voters, surpassing the record set in the 2003 gen-. eral election.

“Without a doubt the WebVote con- tributed significantly to the record turnout; however, much can be attributed to the quality of the candidates vying for the remaining positions. The level of pub- lic debate on the campus has increased significantly in recent times as issues affecting students were debated during the recent provincial election. Our by-election only further demonstrated this as many of the candidates actively engaged their peers in discussions on what was important to them,” said MacKenzie.

“Student Councillors, other than | executive positions, volunteer their time to Council. They do so to ensure that the concerns of their constituents are

Looking for a new and meaningful experience? Why not spend time at L’Arche Cape Breton.

L’Arche is an international federation of communities creating homes and day programs with people with developmental disabilities. There are overt00 L’Arche communities all over the world. L’Arche Cape Breton is always

addressed. I believe that they should be commended for their commitment towards the betterment of the University experience for their peers,” said Shelley MacNeill, Vice President Activities, “and such an increase in voter turnout leads us to believe that students are certainly appreciating their efforts.”

Elected to council during the by- election were: Executive Vice President Jeff Grandy, Senators Megan MacKinnon and Thomas Lloyd, Board of Governors Crystal MacLeod, Ombudsman Ryan McDermott, and Councillors Jennifer Campbell, Robert Best, Joel Walker, Jeremy Hogan, Dennis Cahill, Sheena Murnaghan, and Peter Grandy.

From www.upet.ca

UIE ed

TU

Christmas seats are limited. Book NOW!

Looking for energetic and enthusiastic people to spend time as live-in assistants in our community

it can be a way to have fun, to discover the beauty of people with disabilities and to learn about yourself. Assistants at L’Arche Cape Breton help the core members {those with developmental disabilities) with basic tasks of daily living, but also spend time having fun and participating in community events. We will look after your medical expenses and you will receive a monthly stipend.

28%

L’Arche Cape Breton Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia

902-756-3162 Ne www. larchecapebreton.org Changing the world... Larchecb@larchecapebreton.org One heart at a time.

.:page [8] October 13, 2003:.

Every year thousands of students want to fly home and back on the same few days, making space very tight during this high season. Plus, affordable fares go first.

Last year we provided over 50,000 flights to students during the Christmas break. Why? Because we check out all the options —~ Travel CUTS Student Class Airfares; pius Tango, jetsgo, Westlet, Canjet, and more—to find the best deals.

Ask us about low-cost date changes on our Student Class Airfares” that give you added flexibility in case of exam schedule changes.

See the world your way

Call toll Free

1-888-FLY-CUTS

Travel CUTS is owned and operated by the Canadian Federation of Students. _ www.travelcuts.com