ASNMU elections are right around the corner, and students need to start researching the various candidates’ positions on campus issues.

While I encourage you to study the ASNMU insert in this issue of The North Wind, simply reading candidates’ statements will not suffice when forming an opinion about which candidate will work best to further your interests in student government.

Students must scour Facebook and discuss the various strengths and weaknesses of each candidate on the ballot.

Last year, NMU students elected an ASNMU board that resulted in two semesters of flimflam discussions and frequent squabbling — the consequence was a year of zero-sum results. This cannot happen again.

And I cannot wholly blame those ASNMU members whose performance has been less than exemplary. NMU students have not done enough to voice their support or objection to student government proceedings.

During ASNMU meetings, there are a handful of students watching their government function in real time. This is troubling.

If students want to be heard and have their wants considered or made known to the administrators on campus, then students need to voice their opinions to ASNMU representatives.

Many candidates have utilized social media. All of the presidential candidates have Facebook pages that state their campaign promises and goals for the next year, granted they are elected to office.

One way to get informed about the presidential and vice presidential candidates is by going to the debates that will take place on Friday, March 29 in Jamrich 102 starting at 6 p.m. This forum will allow students to hear where the candidates stand on student issues, and students will have the opportunity to see exactly whom they are electing to office.

In the past few years, NMU student voting trends show a poor voting record. In 2010, 2,308 students voted in ASNMU elections. In 2011, 837 students voted; in 2012, a slightly higher number of 917 students voted.

With an average student population on campus of more 9,100 students, between nine and 10 percent of students have decided the outcome of ASNMU elections in the past two years.

ASNMU represents 100 percent of the student population on campus, and voting for student representatives is crucial. Student government can be a great agent of change, but students have been so lazy as to neglect their voting rights, even though ballots are filled out online.

Put aside the apathy. Get out and vote in the 2013 ASNMU election. There is much to be done on campus, and ASNMU needs the support of students. Find out which candidate will best represent you. Don’t sit on the sidelines anymore.

If students elect another contentious administration, they will have no one but themselves to blame. Decide whether or not you want your government to be a campus-wide joke or an organization that speaks and acts for students. ASNMU’s future is in your hands.