PARTY POLITICS: a term that for many represents all that is wrong with our democracy. This aspect of the American political system evokes negative connotations in many voters' minds. Yet, the party system is a vital part of the democracy in the candidate-nominating process. By constructing a similar party nominations process for the University's student government offices, voter turnout would increase, students would become more familiar with their elected leaders, and the competency of candidates would be ensured.
In the United States, competitive elections are dependent on two things: money and party affiliation. Neglecting either forces a usually insurmountable battle for publicity and public attention. Party primaries and conventions ensure the most competitive candidate possible by forcing competition among its own ranks. The media then pits one winner against another, fueling a publicity furor that culminates in the casting of ballots.
At the University, it is a much freer system: Any candidate who desires to run may, once he or she gathers the requisite number of constituent signatures. Financial flexibly is limited by Student Council regulations, ensuring a level playing field. Fliering and chalking remain the most prominent publicity. Yet how much can students really learn about a candidate when left to depend on chalk and boldly colored 8.5 by 11 sheets of paper? Candidates frequently go door to door in the first-year dorm area, but sheer time limitations prevent them from connecting with many students.
Instead, student organizations should band together to discuss their needs and expectations for their student leaders. A convention of CIOs has a great deal at stake in the selection of Student Council executives and representatives: those who will ultimately determine their SAF funding the following year. The Greek councils - IFC, ISC and MGC - already form the most effective example of a grassroots machine because of their structure. They have the ability to select candidates and promote them to members of affiliate houses, and consequently mobilize many students.
But a nominations process goes beyond the current endorsement process where councils simply interview and then advocate candidates to member houses. A nominations process would involve council assistance in the campaign. If the Greek councils were to hold parties on Saturday afternoons before elections to meet candidates, a large group of students would have the chance to meet the candidates and hear their platforms.
This idea can be expanded outside Greek life as well. Candidates want the assistance a nomination would offer. If CIOs sent delegates to a convention, potential candidates could then compete for the support of active and involved students - those most likely to vote in an election anyway. Once a candidate was chosen, the organizations would then be available for assistance in campaigning, as well as forming an enormous voting block for the candidate.
Not only would this ensure the most competent candidates for the general election, the process would raise the profile of elections significantly. Voter turnout would increase and these voters would be informed. They would be influenced by those whom they trust, the delegates to the convention who made conscious decisions based on organizational self-interest.
This process could lead to tickets of nominated candidates for various offices, offering the ability for candidates to share resources and campaign together. Once candidates had formed a ticket, they could hold forums designed to attract students into large groups. There they would have the ability to spread information about themselves and their platforms while increasing awareness of issues in an upcoming election. Again, these could be assisted and publicized by the nominating organizations.
A system of party politics for student government is not a new concept on Grounds. In the 1960s and 1970s, a two-party system revolved around what was essentially the Greek party versus the non-Greek party. Candidates were nominated by these parties, and then supported throughout the election process.
Student organizations have the chance to construct a system that would promote student self-interest and increase election participation. Though critics may worry of a fissure of the student body along Greek, non-Greek lines, the system easily could accommodate all forms of students who participate in student activities. Current turnout is pathetic and students' familiarity with their representatives is nearly nonexistent. Parties would achieve the mobilization needed to turn apathy into informed excitement at election time.
(Preston Lloyd's column appears Tuesdays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at plloyd@cavalierdaily.com.)
Read More
EDITORIAL: Commit to protecting noncitizens on Grounds
By Editorial Board | 7 hours agoThis has grown into a pattern of failing the rights of noncitizens to due process and overstepping judicial checks and balances on the executive branch.
CASTAGNO: Intensifying security theater in schools does not make them safer
By Conall Costagno | March 24, 2025Adding more stringent security measures will not solve the underlying issue, which is that schools must do more to invest in students’ mental health.
CARTER: Take care selecting U.Va. Health’s next CEO
By Nathaniel Carter | March 22, 2025In this sense, neglecting to publicize the report itself further erodes public trust in U.Va. Health.
