University of Virginia Library

Normally, I would not consider
it my duty as a Councilman to
answer every irate letter attacking
Student Council. But, I offer this
reply in the interest of clarity.

Mr. Cass, in rebuking the elections
committee and myself has
centered his remarks around the
fact that I considered the extension
of voting hours an "inconvenience"
to my committee. He
charges irresponsibility and apathy.
But Mr. Cass was present
at our last meeting, and he
knows (but deleted in his letter)
that there were other reasons for
my committee's opposition to the
motion "to extend polling places
in the upcoming elections to as
many places as there were boxes
available, as well as the extension
of the time in which boxes in
residential areas remained open."

My statements actually included:
1.) the fact that students were already
offered redundant opportunities
to exercise their privilege
to vote in classroom areas, as well
as residential areas. 2.) Voting is
possible on two consecutive days
and is heavily publicized, so that
any student really wishing to exercise
his privilege to vote would
do so. 3.) In light of the redundant
opportunities to vote, as well
as the heavy publicity, anyone
not exercising his privilege, either
did not wish to vote, or was not
present at the University for two
consecutive days. I concluded my
remarks at Tuesday's meeting by
telling Mr. Calvert that I would,
however, add several more ballot
boxes to insure that my intention
was to obtain maximum participation
in the coming elections.

I would appreciate Mr. Cass'
directing his attacks, in the future,
to accurate and complete facts.

I hope I have helped clarify
this matter, and naturally I welcome
any questions from interested
parties.