Welcome to Catalyst’s guide to RMIT Student Union elections. Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing the what, the who, the why, the where, the how, the umm huh of election season at RMIT. Stay tuned as we unveil the best darn guide to student democracy in action you’re ever likely to read.
You’re walking innocently through RMIT’s city campus. You haven’t got a care in the world. and then you hear it. The phrase which will haunt you for days.
“Do you hate Tony Abbott? Do you hate Tony Abbott? Do you hate Tony Abbott?”
Yes, it’s RMIT student elections. That time of year when pamphlets strike and lectures are bashed and the hacks attack. But don’t despair. These elections are important and you should get involved. Catalyst hopes to enlighten you on what these elections are about and what they mean for you.
WHAT IS RUSU?
The RMIT University Student Union (RUSU) is the student elected body which is responsible for ‘campus life’. They provide a number of services for students (counselors, legal assistance etc.), as well as facilitating the numerous clubs and societies which operate at RMIT. The union fulfill their election promises by designating their assigned funding, as well as lobbying the university to act.
WHY IS THERE AN ELECTION?
As the union is made up of student representatives, each year a number of those students will complete their studies and leave the university. This means that an election must take place each year in order to replenish the diminishing human stock. This is where you, dear reader, come in.
While voting is not compulsory, we here at Catalyst are true devotees to the romantic ideals of democracy, and thus you would be well advised to brave the voting battlegrounds (which will be further explained later) and cast your highly sought after ballot.
HOW DO I VOTE?
Across week seven this semester (7th to the 11th of September) a number of voting booths will be open across all three campuses. It’s your regular optional preferential voting – number from first to last in each of the little boxes. The parties will give you ‘how to vote’ cards, but hey, vote how you like.
P.S. You must be currently enrolled at RMIT to vote. HOWEVER, if you are in your final year and will not be attending RMIT next year, you are still allowed to vote.
This article has been edited to reflect the optionality of preferential voting.