UA gets 20% turnout for referenda

The referenda proposing changes to the Undergraduate Assembly reached the 20 percent voter turnout threshold by 6 p.m. Thursday.

Question one, which proposes changing the UA chairman and vice chairman for external affairs into a directly elected president and vice president, respectively, received 2,045 votes — or 20.52 percent of the student body.

Question two would make changes to the UA’s constitution, including enfranchising transfer students in fall elections. It would also create a flexible number of members, depending on the size of the undergraduate population, and would allow the class boards to determine the titles and tasks of board positions. Question two received 2,018 votes, or 20.25 percent.

The 20 percent threshold reflects participation — it does not mean 20 percent voted yes on the proposals. Both referenda will need majority approval to pass.

“I am thrilled that at least twenty percent of the student body cares about the welfare of student government to vote,” said College junior and UA chairman Alec Webley, who proposed many of the changes written in question two.

The student leaders calling for direct election also expressed excitement.

College senior and Student Activities Council chairwoman Natalie Vernon said she thought the turnout showed that Penn students care just as much, if not more, about student government than students at other universities.

College senior and UA member Zac Byer agreed the voter turnout said a lot about the student body.

“It’s great to see thousands of undergraduates taking the time during the busiest week of the year to vote on something that is going to affect Penn students for decades to come,” Byer said.

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