"Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote" - George Jean Nathan

It’s coming up to that time of year again…no not Valentine’s, elections!

A week full of people forcing their ideas at you in the hope that you will decide you like them and vote. A week of not being able to walk through the Union concourse without being bombarded by groups of people using weird and wonderful gimmicks to get you to notice them. Said like that it doesn’t sound too appealing, and most people take the easy way out and avoid university as best they can for a week. This rigorous campaigning is needed for a reason though, and it is important that we all take notice of it.

Standing for a Sabbatical position involves a great deal of dedication and hard work - these people truly care about the Students’ Union, and have used their experiences of it to shape their manifestos. It is these manifestos that are important, and not all of the mad campaigning and crazy advertising - look beyond any tactics and read their ideas, decide who you think is the best person for the job.

Those people trying to get your attention may become the ones who help influence how your time here is governed; they could shape and affect your experience of university. They have no power to abolish top-up fees, but they will be the people who speak for you on the issue, and make this voice heard by those who do have the power to make that change. They are the people who will be able to help you if you are affected by the potential overcrowding in the University.

Everyone deserves to have their say, and we should all value this opportunity that we are given to use our voice and influence the result. Last year’s Students’ Union elections saw the highest ever voting rate in the history of the University of Southampton’s elections - a record 4724 votes were cast, 21.2% of the student population. Hopefully this year even more students will get involved and place their vote, to break this record again.

So, as election fever hits Highfield, don’t ignore it. Your vote counts, and at some point during your time at the University of Southampton you will be affected by the Sabbaticals actions, even if you are not aware of it. Use this chance to take an interest and show that you care, and whilst you do, remember these wise words of John Quincy Adams: "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."