Ahead of the ASWSU elections, Collin Bannister is bringing an outsider’s perspective to ASWSU and hopes to bring his experience in public policy to the ASWSU Presidency. 

“I’ve been able to have a lot of opportunities and do a lot of different things,” Bannister said. “But I think the most important thing I would want students to know is that I’m an advocate.” 

Bannister said he’s always felt like he’s had to advocate for himself and for other students. 

The Washington State fourth-year student grew up in Pullman and has been in the city his whole life. He was involved in student government there, which launched him into various public policy roles throughout his time at WSU. 

Bannister’s running mate, Emily Bell, said she met him in class. Bannister said he liked how interested she was in public policy and thought she had strong social skills, which is why he asked her to be his running mate. 

“I told him that I needed the weekend to think about it,” Bell said. “But seriously, I was going to do it from the get go…Collin pitched it really well.” 

Bannister is currently the president of the Washington Student Association. He was elected to be the Vice President of Student Affairs for the WSA during his sophomore year, and eventually was elected as President during his junior year. The WSA is a student lobbying organization that fights for student issues at the state capital and helps fund student scholarships. 

He said he hopes students will turn out for the vote in this election more than in previous years. 

“It really does matter, this election,” Bannister said. “By voting, and by having good voting turnout, that helps legitimize the role of student government…when we’re advocating to the administration, or to the state capital… we can feel confident that we really represent the views and values of the student body.” 

Bannister emphasized that there are real stakes in this election. The winning ticket will hold influence over the ASWSU budget and will be able to advocate on behalf of students to the WSU Board of Regents. The winner also receives a full scholarship to WSU in the upcoming school year. 

The final debate is being held on Thursday night at 5 p.m. in the CUB auditorium. Voting begins Tuesday.