ASUNM senators shouldn't be elected because of slate

Editor,

First of all, I would like to congratulate all the newly elected Associated Students of UNM senators. It is evident that the future of our student body is in good hands.

I am, however, disappointed with the politics behind ASUNM elections, and I think there is a need to re-evaluate the process.

Slates are a great way for candidates to coalesce their strengths and structure goals, but they also eliminate the concept of voting for individuals. As both a campaigner and poll worker in past elections, I have witnessed the effects of voting by association.

Many students give away votes to candidates who they know nothing about. And it is a shame to see that, for some students, experience and character are no longer determining factors.

I doubt any contender lacks the skills required for the making of a great senator, but it is my hope for future elections that students will assess these skills on an individual level.

Anne Dodson

UNM student