I’m asking the student body for two things: First and foremost, vote on Friday of GM Week. Second, learn as much about the candidates as possible. The Senate has made great strides this year in our relationships with administrators, our operation as an organization, and projects to better student life at Rensselaer. Who you elect will determine the direction and functional capability of student government.

With this new policy, students will have to learn the names of the candidates. You will obviously see signs with the names of candidates around campus. You can also visit http://elections.union. rpi.edu for a list. There are a few ways you can learn more about a candidate. Candidates are required to print an e-mail address on their signs. I encourage you to e-mail them and ask questions about issues that concern you. See if you get a response, and if so, whether you agree with it. You can also visit candidate and political party websites advertised on signs throughout campus. For the GM and PU races there are two rounds of debates, both of which will give you a solid feel for the capability of the candidates. The first debate is scheduled for Sunday, April 6. The primary elections are the following day on Monday, April 7. The second debate is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9. Both debates will take place in the Rensselaer Union McNeil Room. Finally, I encourage everyone to read the The Poly’s GM Week issue to learn more about the candidates.

It is everyone’s responsibility to learn as much about the candidates as possible, and vote for students who they think will serve the office well. This is extremely important. I’m looking forward to an incredible GM Week. Let’s really make it a week for the students. Professors should be taking it easy on their students that week, and there are numerous events on campus.