The Humber Students’ Federation (HSF) election season is in full swing with campaign posters already plastered around campus showcasing the candidates and their platforms.
Last year HSF saw its highest number in students voter turnout. HSF Project Coordinator Vanessa Silaphet says 6,6609 students voted, which represents 23.8 per cent of the student population. That is higher than the 5,578 who voted in the 2012 elections.
Voting this year is from March 10 – March 14. Some North Campus students spoke to Skedline.com about why they will cast a ballot next week.
Game programming student Jordana Siciliano, 27, says she votes because her tuition dollars go towards HSF and because her friend is a presidential candidate.
“He has shown me what happens and changes within HSF by electing a team of students who can be represent the entire student body,” Siciliano says. “It’s important that we have students within HSF who will do their best to give back to students and make sure we are being heard.”
Siciliano says she believes it is important students vote.
“HSF handles a huge amount of student dollars and it’s important for students to make sure that they have someone who can represent them and advocate for them to make sure that HSF works in the best interest for the students,” Siciliano says.
Computer engineering technology student Chandan Chugani, 19, says students should vote.
“I do feel as students we should all vote because the school will never improve unless the student body elects a member that will strive for change,” Chugani says.
Business administration student Regina Valiakhmetova, 20, says she’s only voting because her friends are candidates.
“Otherwise, I don’t vote because I don’t feel HSF supported me during the year and I just do not care about it,” Valiakhmetova says.
Campaigning for the HSF elections ends on March 7. Students will get to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice by visiting the polling stations at the specific campuses. All candidates running for positions at the North campus will be part of a forum on March 4. Those running for positions at the Lakeshore campus will meet on March 5.
According to HSF, the forum will be hosted by Much Music ‘s Video on Trial comedian Sabrina Jalees.
HSF elections candidates
Presidential Candidates
Timothy Brilhante
Shawn Manahan
Mary Anne Savoie
Kay Tracey
VP of Student Life Candidates – North campus
Robert Gemmell
Tim Samaniego
Ahmed Tahir
VP Student Affairs Candidates – North campus
Saudia Deokilall
Inderjeet Kaur Sangha
Amarjot Singh Gill
Odin von Doom
North Campus Board of Directors Candidates
Rafael Gouveia
Eric Collings
VP Student Life Candidates – Lakeshore campus
Karnesh Babaria
Alex Brekelmans
Andrew Prosdocimi
Dylan Rudder
VP Student Affairs Candidates – Lakeshore Campus
Karishma Ankleswaria
Victor Nathan
Candance Pellew
Board of Directors – Lakeshore Campus
Maria Artiga
Ayesha Azhar
Shivanie Mangal
James Pashutinski