My name is Alex Murphy and I am currently a student at Trent University. Keep that in mind as you read this. Following the recent TCSA election I feel it is important to shed some light on the shady voter eligibility at Trent.

Over the last four months I have been deployed on a domestic operation with the Canadian Armed Forces. I won't get into the details of the operation because they're not relevant. However, it is important to understand that in order to participate I had to temporarily withdraw from classes at Trent. I am still a registered student at the university, but I will not be actively registered in any classes until the Fall 2016 semester.

Regarding the TCSA election that just occurred, I contacted Stephanie Laing-McKay on March 17, when I realized that I had not received an election ballot link in my Trent email inbox. I expressed my concern that I had not received the email, and provided my name, student number, etc... I received the following response:

"Hi Alex,

Thanks for reaching out. I have reviewed the Student Eligibility List that is provided by the university, and you are not included on it. Can you please confirm your student status with me (i.e. current undergraduate student on the Peterborough campus registered in courses)?

Best,

Stephanie"

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I replied:

"Hi Stephanie,

I'm not currently registered for any courses because I had to temporarily withdraw due to a military deployment. However, I am still registered as a student at Trent University so I was under the impression that I am still eligible to vote.

Thanks,

Alex Murphy"

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This is where things get interesting. The answer I receive regarding my student status goes as follows:

"Hi Alex,

Thank you for your quick response. I wish I had better news for you, but unfortunately, when you are on leave from the university your status as a registered student and TCSA member is suspended until your return. Suspension ceases your TCSA membership, and as such, you are unable to vote.

Please let me know if I can help with anything else.

Best,

Stephanie"

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I was absolutely taken aback by what I read.

I have been a student at Trent for six years. I have paid student fees, been a member of the Trent University Emergency First Response Team (TUEFRT), and contributed to this community.

Yet, now, because I'm not registered in classes, I am ineligible to vote in an election that will have a direct impact on the fees I pay and the groups I'm a part of; not to mention the students I'm governed by. What I find even more insulting is that I have paid student fees for the 2015-2016 year, yet my TCSA membership has been suspended. I haven't seen a dime of my student fees reimbursed, yet I have had my membership revoked.

Why?

Because I'm serving my country. The TCSA feels that because I am away, no matter the reason, I am ineligible to vote in their elections. I am being treated as a second-class student, expected to pay student fees for the 2016-2017 academic year when I had no say in them. This is taxation without representation, plain and simple.

I am disgusted by the TCSA and their handling of politics on campus, and I am appalled by the treatment of those that make up the TCSA's constituency.

When all is said and done, I imagine this will fall on deaf ears at the university. I gather it will be swept under the rug as if nothing ever happened, especially by the TCSA, an organization that has a history of underhanded election issues and sketchy policies.

However, in the hopes that it is not ignored, I implore Trent University and the TCSA to reexamine their elections, to rebuild the student government in such a way that students aren't left behind and to ensure that every student matters regardless of their status…To make student elections about exactly that - students.

I thank you for taking the time to read this, and if you need any further information or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at either this email address, or by phone at 705-927-0492.

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Sincerely,

Alex Murphy