This issue has turned out to be pretty politics heavy, and I’m pleased about it. Politics should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now, and I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence if I didn’t scream at everyone to enrol to vote. As you’ll see on the cover, youth enrolment was at 53% as of August this year. That’s pretty shocking.
Even if you (rightfully) feel politically apathetic, I encourage you to engage all that you can. Politics will not go away, and you have a responsibility as an individual within a democracy to exercise your fleeting democratic power. Remember that who you vote for is your personal decision – you don’t need to tell anyone. But whatever you do, please have an opinion. Do your research, talk to others, watch the news and think about the future. This will impact you.
For some practice before the real thing, this mag is chock-full of OUSA Student Executive candidates. There were way more than we thought there would be (28 nominations!), so we lowkey don’t have a news section this week which is pretty gutting. But it’s for a good cause! Get to know your student candidates and how they might try to advocate for you if elected into their roles. Please give news a read online, though. There’s a piece I worked pretty hard on regarding the proposed changes to the DCC’s local alcohol policy, and you need to have your submissions in on the matter before the 26th of September. More democracy for you!
Talking a bit more about this politics-heavy edition, we have an absolutely stellar quiz in culture from some MANT252 students I’ve been helping out. As a Management major myself, I have a bit of a soft spot for them, but trust that they will help you stand up against Big Landlord. Also in culture is a BYO wine pairing guide, which isn’t super political, but you might need a few glasses of wine and dinner with friends considering the state of the world right now. In features, we have a highly detailed (to the point where it’s concerning) piece from Jesse about FIFA, exploring some of the politics and commercial motivators behind ‘The World’s Game’. As someone who couldn’t care less about sport, I was hooked. Give it a read!
Please also take a look at the art Ash made and the little poem I did. Stick it on your wall. Use it as a bookmark. Vote.
