D66 has proven that you can win an election by staying optimistic. No shouting, no chaos, no fearmongering—just optimism, a clear message, and, as my fellow physicist Henri Bontenbal would say, “decency.” It’s almost un-Dutch in its politeness, yet it worked.

You’d expect that same energy to thrive at TU/e, where the University Council elections are arguably the most courteous form of democracy imaginable. No scandals, no personal attacks—just students in Atlas and MetaForum handing out free snacks and smiles while talking about study spaces, extracurricular activities, and sustainability. It’s the friendliest campaign season in the country.

And yet… hardly anyone votes.

It’s a striking contrast: positivity wins at the national level, but here on campus, it barely registers. Maybe it’s because the stakes feel lower. Or maybe because “polite” and “boring” can start to look dangerously alike.

University politics have mastered the art of harmony but risk fading into background noise because of it. There’s no controversy to grab attention, no drama to draw people in, no sense of urgency. Students see the stands, smile politely, and quickly move on—not because they don’t care about what happens at this university, but because it doesn’t seem to matter much.

So what can be done? The answer isn’t less positivity. This climate of courtesy and collaboration is exactly what allows student parties to work together and genuinely improve the university. What’s needed is more presence. Not louder campaigns, but livelier ones. Let students see what’s being discussed and addressed; spark conversations about the topics that shape student life. As student parties, we can’t do this alone.

Because in the end, we’re not just campaigning for you—we’re campaigning with you. Every student, every experience, frustration, and good idea deserves to be heard on the stage where decisions are made. So when those colorful stands appear on campus again, don’t just stop by for a cookie or banana—take a moment to share what matters to you. Your vote isn’t just counted; it helps the university move forward.

Giulia van Rossem is a master’s student Applied Physics and serves the student party Groep-één in the university council

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor