This post was updated May 3 at 2:54 p.m.

Last week, an Opinion column was published in the Daily Bruin expressing concern regarding unopposed USAC election candidates, calling on the Undergraduate Students Association Elections Board to implement an “aptitude test” if this pattern continues.

However, I believe that not only does this fail to solve the issue of election participation, but the idea of an aptitude test is disturbingly reminiscent of discriminatory voting rights violations that have haunted democracies.

As vice chair of the Elections Board, it is my responsibility to help lead our team in breaking down the barriers that block access to USAC elections. Yes, the elections would be improved by having competition for every role, allowing students to have a variety of choices on their ballot.

But adding another barrier to entry, such as the proposed aptitude test, would not address this issue. An aptitude test would only serve to restrict USAC elections to those who hold institutional knowledge and access, effectively limiting the representation of students from a variety of backgrounds across campus.

Regardless of the idea’s intention, we must acknowledge the background of competency, knowledge, aptitude and literacy tests within the United States. These methods of determining civic capability have historically been used in practice to restrict marginalized communities from participating in elections. Despite the textual appearance of neutrality, aptitude tests are demonstrably oppressive tools in the suppression of democracy.

Even in the context of student government, there are questions: how could such a test be administered fairly? Who would design and grade the test? How would it be insulated from personal biases to ensure equity? How would testing accommodations be provided?

While aptitude tests are repugnant, the issue at hand remains: a lack of participation.

This is where USAC relies on the Daily Bruin to publicize its impact and events, even outside of the election season. Students need to be provided with coverage that demonstrates that USAC is more than candidates asking for votes on Bruin Walk – USAC is the student body’s most impactful representative.

This year’s Elections Board has some major initiatives coming soon to start raising awareness, so stay engaged and go vote.

Carl Maier is a fourth-year political science student and vice chair of the USA Elections Board.