Interviews from students waiting in line to vote last Wednesday indicated that the limited number of students who voted may have done so based mainly on word of mouth and not on research, a candidate’s history in student government, or the implications of a multi-million-dollar recreation center.

Most voted for certain Associated Students candidates because they either knew them or they were advised by other students. Some students decided their votes on the spot and voted for random candidates without knowing who they were.

The voting station consisted of several laptop computers that were logged on to the online voting polls in the university’s network.

“I didn’t remember the name of the candidate I voted for, but I remember she was the first choice,” said a junior psychology student. The first choice in the online poll was Dina Cervantes.

Two students in the front of the voting line were just there to get free food from “Hotdog on a Stick.” Voters were offered meal tickets as an incentive for their participation.

Senior CTVA student Nick Stein also voted for Cervantes. “My friends spoke highly of her,” Stein said. He said that other students persuaded his vote. Stein has participated in previous A.S. elections, but said, “I usually do research on the candidates but because of my classes, I couldn’t do as much. I should’ve done more research.”

Daryl Ilagan, a sophomore music student and member of CSUN’s Filipino American Student Association, voted for current A.S. president Adam Salgado. “I admire his support for various organizations and not just the A.S. board,” Ilagan said, adding that Salgado has been to previous events held by her organization.

Kinesiology major Marie Tohanian voted to support the proposed $70 million USU REC Center. “I believe it’s important for students to be active on campus,” Tohanian said.

The recreation center referendum passed.

“I believe one vote can make a change,” freshman sociology student Aaron Golden said. He voted for Miguel Segura after reading his plans in previous Sundial issues.

Most students were not aware of the candidates’ platforms for elections. Other students chose to reelect current A.S. board members.

Student Shuravi HaQue voted for USU Board of Directors’ candidate Krystal Gilliam. “I know Krystal and she has a genuine character suited for the board,” HaQue said.