University of Virginia Library

V.

Second among the referendum items is
Student Council's proposal to amend its
present constitution as follows: "The results
of a referendum shall be binding upon
Council only if at least forty percent (40%) of
the electorate has voted in said election."
Currently, a referendum becomes binding on
Council on simple majority approval by those
who vote. In the past voter turnouts have
often fallen below the 40 percent level.

While this is a poor commentary on the
state of civic activism on the Grounds, we see
no reason why an apathetic, non-voting
majority should stand between an active
minority of voters and the issues they may
select for Council's attention. Clearly, the
proposed amendment, which requires a
two-thirds vote for passage, is designed to
curtail the right of students to instruct their
elected representatives in referenda.

Given the realities of a semi-active
electorate, a NO vote will best serve the
interests of those who care enough to
organize and make their feelings known.