University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks student approval for expansion of campus natatorium

From The Wisconsin State Journal: University of Wisconsin-Madison students are voting on a $60 million addition to one of the main campus gyms, a project some students and officials say is needed to keep up with student demand and fitness trends. The expansion, which would nearly double the size of the Natatorium, would cost students $54.19 more per semester for the next 30 years, beginning in 2013. A faction of students oppose raising student fees for the project, but the greatest foe for supporters could be low voter turnout over the three-day-long election. A new rule requires that at least 15 percent of the student body--about 6,200 students--must vote in order for building projects to move forward. Students have a history of voting in low numbers. Typically, less than 10 percent of the student body votes in student elections.