With the Associated Students of Oregon State University elections underway, the stage is set for students to shape the future of campus politics and governance.
The 2025 elections will determine the next ASOSU President, Vice President, Senate and key members of the influential Student Fee Committee.
The election, set to kick off in February, offers students a platform to address critical issues, advocate for change and have their voices heard. Registration for candidacy has opened, starting Dec. 6, giving aspiring campus leaders a month to prepare before campaigning begins on Feb. 3.
The roles up for grabs in this year’s election include positions that oversee student government operations and budgetary management positions. Candidates for president and vice president will serve a one-year term, representing student interests on and off campus. Meanwhile, senators will focus on legislative initiatives and policy advocacy, while the SFC chair and members will work closely on budget recommendations that impact student life.
Historically, however, student voter turnout has been dramatically low compared to the student body population eligible to vote, with last year’s election only seeing roughly 16% of student voter turnout.
“Audrey and I’s administration is aiming to bring increased student engagement to ASOSU this election cycle, both educating students on what ASOSU does and the change we can bring about in their daily lives, along with encouraging students to continue to engage with ASOSU in the future. Our Elections Committee is aiming to see an increase in voter turnout to 25% from last year’s 16.67%,” said Zachary Kowash, ASOSU vice president and chief elections officer.
According to Kowash, the ASOSU Elections Committee is looking to try and expand the number of student voters by focusing on “data-driven, targeted marketing and outreach to students.”
Campaign finance limits are capped at $300 per candidate in order to ensure fairness, and all campaign materials must comply with university policies, including prohibitions on using official OSU logos and mascots. Violations, categorized as major or minor offenses, could result in disqualification or penalties, depending on the severity of said offense.
The election timeline continues as follows: On Feb. 17, student voting begins taking place and will remain open until Feb. 28, when voting officially closes and financial disclosures are due. On May 30, the newly elected leaders will be inaugurated.
The spring term will serve as a transitional period between administrations, allowing the newly elected leaders to prepare for their roles before officially taking office on June 1. During this time, they will have the opportunity to meet with current ASOSU members, shadow their activities and familiarize themselves with the organization’s operations.
This year’s federal presidential election looms largely over determining the outcome of this election.
“With today’s political climate and students facing lower higher-education funding that will impact us, it will be vital for students to use their voice and elect tomorrow’s leaders of ASOSU to continue bringing about change that students need,” said Kowash.
The ASOSU is no stranger to having its administrations be a reflection of the trials and tribulations of the given zeitgeist they find themselves in, with past initiatives addressing sustainability, accessibility, and equity — all with varying degrees of success.
However, in light of the current political climate of the nation and decreased funding towards higher education as highlighted by Kowash and the dissolution of the Oregon Student Association, much of the responsibilities inherited by the new leadership will be molded by said concerns.
Students will receive a link to the ballot through their Oregon State email once voting begins. Details about the candidates will be made available on the ASOSU website starting Feb. 3, when the campaigning period officially begins.
“The ASOSU is excited to begin the period of electing our new student leaders to continue the work done in the past on giving Oregon State students a voice and seat at the table on things that matter to every one of us,” said Kowash.
