Despite a change in DeKalb’s city government as a result of Tuesday’s mayoral election, the number of student votes remained consistent with years past, election officials say.

“Very few” students actually vote, DeKalb County Clerk Sharon Holmes said. Fifty-seven NIU students voted in precincts set up in Douglas and Lincoln halls and Grant and Stevenson towers, Holmes said. In the 2001 election, 66 students voted.

Data from residence hall precincts gauge students’ voting behavior, she said. If students live in apartments on campus or somewhere else in DeKalb, those numbers are mixed in with the rest of the general voting population, she said.

“I’ve never been able to understand why [students do not vote],” Holmes said.

Defeated incumbent Mayor Greg Sparrow said in past elections students have participated. Tuesday’s sunny weather may have factored into the low student turnout.

“The youth have other things on their minds,” he said.

Students also may feel like they do not have as much of a vested interest in local government, Sparrow said. He said local government is a very powerful force in students’ lives.

“What government affects you the most is local [government],” Sparrow said.

Although Sparrow is not blaming the students for his loss, he emphasized the importance of voter responsibility. Sparrow has voted in every election – local, federal and state – since he registered, he said.

To reach out to students during the campaign, Sparrow pushed hard for increased voter registration. This year saw one of the highest registration of students, he said.

“As I went around and talked to various sororities and fraternities, the feedback was positive that they were going to support me,” Sparrow said. “But I’m not laying [the loss] at the students’ feet.”

Newly elected mayor Frank Van Buer also said the weather may have affected student turnout.

“I’m pleased [with] the ones that did go out and vote for me,” he said.

Students are not unlike other citizens, Van Buer said. Some students may not be fully aware of issues surrounding the elections, he said.

Van Buer said it is hard to gauge whether or not low student turnout hurt Sparrow’s campaign.

Van Buer won by 1,153 votes, garnering 59.51 percent of the votes.

Van Buer’s term as mayor will focus on student issues such as making sure there is open and participatory government and ensuring the city takes a leadership role in protecting schools.

If people want a “quality community,” there has to be quality education, Van Buer said. He is set to take office May 9.

“I’m eagerly anticipating the first day in office,” Van Buer said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Sparrow is disappointed more citizens did not vote. He did not need students to win, but more homeowners and DeKalb citizens.

“It’s pathetic that the people of [the] city wouldn’t lift a finger to vote,” Sparrow said. “We’ve [Sparrow administration] accomplished a lot of good things for DeKalb.”