By Skye Anderson

Some students at RRC Polytech said they plan to cast their votes for candidates who will be the voice of students in the Students’ Association Executive Election.

Gurneet Kaur, 21, is in her final semester in the Business Administration program. Even though she graduates in just a few months, she plans to vote for future students.

Gurneet said she is looking for a leader who engages with and listens to the students.

Prabhsimran Kaur, 20, who will also graduate this spring, is in the IT Operations program. She agrees with Gurneet.

“[Students] need to vote for someone who can stand up for their rights,” said Prabhsimran, who is volunteering to help the Students’ Association run the election. She added that a leader should be competitive, energetic, and confident.

“He or she should be a good public speaker and be able to talk to anyone,” she said.

Shianne Cascen, 27, said she is aware of the election, hasn’t done any research on the candidates yet. Now that she is finished her midterms in the Business Administration program, she plans to follow the election more closely.

She values a leader can take feedback.

“Theres always compliments and there’s always complaints to learn from,” said Cascen. “I would like to see somebody who is enthusiastic about receiving feedback.”

Christopher Vasquez, 40, admits he doesn’t plan on voting this year, since he is in his fourth term of the Business Administration program and won’t be at the college much longer.

That being said, he thinks all students who are returning to the college next year should put time aside to vote.

Vasquez said a vice president or president should be well organized and prepared to handle the workload on top of their regular classes. Most importantly he hopes future students have a leader who prioritizes interacting with them.

“[They] should participate in the activities that the Students’ Association puts on,” said Vasquez. “It’s a good way to learn what the students actually need.”

Vasquez is an international student from Peru, and he attends most of the Students’ Association’s events to connect with other students. He said leaders from the Students’ Association should take advantage of these opportunities engage with students.

The candidates for President, VP Academic, VP Internal Affairs, and VP External Affairs, are listed on the RRC Students’ Association website. Students can cast their vote here under “Executive Elections.”

Voting closes on Thursday at 3 p.m.