Everyone likes having a say in any sort of election.

A vote gives someone power, self-gratitude, and a right to feel responsible for the direction of a country, state or even a university.

Living in a system where democracy is strongly encouraged, you always have those who either embrace their freedoms or typically shy away from the banter that these officials of higher importance tell us.

Here at Oakland University, it’s nice to see that our Student Congress takes such an active approach to binding the school together with it’s many events and campus organizations.

In fact, I would say that they don’t shy away from cohesively working with these groups and it’s truly a great thing considering the discord that most other forms of government we witness today.

While it’s all fine and dandy that the Student Congress works with the other student organizations, a student government must truly represent the entire campus, with varying opinions and people who are involved or choose to not participate.

Our university has failed to do so.

Why you may ask?

It’s because of the lack of representation of the entire student body.

The candidates given to us do not represent our diverse needs on campus and the direction that a whole community can agree upon.

Instead, the student election acts as a mere popularity contest.

Egregious amounts of money have been spent on large campaign signs in the OC, campaigning that really becomes a true nuisance and elaborate events that only sugar coat the person’s ego — and also flaunts their campaign colors.

Quite frankly, it’s getting to a point where they should just recruit you to join their sorority or fraternity and other various campus activities while putting their name on your ballot.

As you can tell, I am not a fan of the student elections.

I was a member of a student body congress back at my high school and I enjoyed the experience.

The experience also opened my eyes to the lack of will to change and try to stand up for the “odd man out.”

Congress members are only concerned with bettering their social group and leaving the others to just deal with it.

Student elections remind me a lot about that.

The entire debacle is all just a contest of who’s wearing what color and what symbols one is admonishing at any time.

It’s become more about the celebrations and getting people involved with a process that they really don’t want to be a part of.

You think most people like to get solicited with campaign ads while walking to class?

If you think they care, check your nearest trash can to see who cares about your policy. You will find a lot of your hard earned money put where it belongs.

Come March, I will still participate in the Student Congress elections.

While I don’t agree with the hype surrounding it, I feel it’s my right as a student to at least show I care.

I might need to spend some time thinking about my vote, but I know that a potato, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Grizz and Detroit City Council are among my final vote possibilities.

So remember to just stand up for whatever you believe. Especially if that means being facetious and voting because you just want to show you care.

Garrett Kolodziej is a junior communication major. Email him at [email protected]