www.InQuireLive.co.uk
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17 March 2017
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InQuire The University of Kent’s student newspaper
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Issue 12.13
Meetings Mondays at 6.15pm, Student Media Centre
The Kelele Fashion Show Culture Page 24
How to enter the world of work Lifestyle Page 13
Review of Moonlight Entertainemnt Page 19
Photo by Kent Union
Lowest turnout in 4 years By Camille Lalancette Newspaper Editor
T
his years Kent Union Leadership Elections saw the lowest voter turnout in four years. 3,376 votes were cast across the voting week, which is only 16.7% of the student body. In 2016 4,633 people voted, and though still not a true representation of the student population, it meant that almost a quarter of people had
their say. In 2015 and 2014 the votes remained above 4,000 students, with 2014 being the highest turnout in the last four years at 4,776 votes. The election saw Clara Lee re-elected as VP Welfare, newcomers Aaron Thompson, Stuart Lidbetter and Fraser Inglis elected as VP Activities, VP Education and VP Sport respectively. Current VP Activities Ruth Wilkinson was elected as President
with 1474 votes which is only 7.32% of the student body. With Kent Union’s activity under the spotlight after their Black History Month marketing campaign made national news, and the topic being a big focus of the elections Candidate Question Time it is interesting that more people did not turn out to make their voices heard. It appears the events last term, instead of igniting the political flames have led
to apathy and disengagement. Across the week Domino’s pizza, scratch cards and popcorn was not enough to draw in the masses to vote. A Kent Union representative said “We would love to see this engagement increasing year on year, as students get further involved in our democratic structures, from Change It and Digital Rep, to voting in elections throughout the year, however recognise that we have some way to go with this.
We are guided by what students at the University of Kent want to see from us and would love to hear your feedback.” The lack of engagement leads us to ask questions about the future of student politics at Kent and how the Union interacts with the student body. Turn to page 3 and 15 to read the students opinion on the election.