Despite efforts to increase student interest, voter turnout for this year's ASMSU election was once again disappointing. About five percent of MSU's undergraduates voted this year - roughly equal to last year's turnout. In addition, five out of 13 colleges are left unrepresented in ASMSU's Student Assembly, and seven of the 13 aren't represented on the Academic Assembly.

Frankly, though, those figures - along with the terms Academic Assembly and Student Assembly - probably don't mean much to you. The average student at MSU has virtually no idea how his or her student government operates and certainly doesn't know the issues being debated and decided within it. Until ASMSU can find a way to make itself relevant and accessible to the student body, the student body will probably not vote in great numbers.

In the days leading up to the election, ASMSU members attempted to create student interest by throwing a pizza party and handing out promotional T-shirts. These aren't necessarily bad ideas, but a full belly and new threads aren't going to help students understand what they are voting for on the already-confusing online ballots. Instead of attempting to win students over with gifts, ASMSU needs to make them realize how it affects them on a day-to-day basis and how they have the power to create change by voting on policy.

We propose that our student government begin a widespread public relations campaign that teaches students about its inner workings. Advertise at sporting events, pass out informational pamphlets, do whatever needs to be done to make sure that undergraduates have a grasp of what ASMSU does and how it can affect them. Perhaps officials could even consult a public relations professor on the matter.

Without any real understanding about their student government, it's no surprise that students aren't voting in droves and seats are vacant on both assemblies.