Beginning Feb. 10, students can expect to see Saint Louis University’s campus covered with flyers, banners and pamphlets in anticipation of Student Government Association elections on Feb. 24. For upperclassmen who have witnessed past elections, an adjustment made this year by SGA will be noticeable.
According to Luke Young, election commissioner, the biggest change made this year to the election process is campaign finance reform, which was passed this year by SGA. Unlike past elections in which candidates used their own discretion to decide how much money to spend, this year those running for president and executive board have a budget of $2,000. Included in a packet that all candidates receive is a list of reasonable market prices for commonly used items in a campaign. Such items include wooden stakes ($0.12/piece), color copies ($.19/ sheet) and pizza ($9.99/ large one topping). All purchases must be reported to the election commissioner.
There are other regulations governing the campaign. A candidate running for president must obtain 200 signatures from students, and hold an executive board position on a chartered student organization or have been a member of the SGA senate. In order to run for executive board and senate, an individual must have 100 signatures and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
In order to be eligible to seek a political office, a candidate must come by Notre Dame, room 225, and pick up an election packet. Included in the packet are positions available, election procedures, candidate qualifications, an eligibility verification form, a detailed timeline and a list of responsibilities for the executive board and senatorial positions.
In addition to campaign finance reform, another bill passed this year states that the campaign begins two weeks before election. With approval by the election commissioner, candidates are allowed to visit student organizations during this time.
On Feb. 10 at midnight, candidates may begin advertising their campaigns by posting in academic buildings, residence halls and libraries. Candidates are not allowed to post on trash cans or other outside edifices. At 8 p.m. on Feb. 10, a presidential debate will be held in Griesedieck lobby. On Feb. 17, an executive board debate will take place at 7 p.m. in Anheuser-Busch Auditorium. The much-anticipated “Rock the Vote” will be held on Feb. 19 in Griesedieck Lobby. For those students unfamiliar with the event, it is an informal opportunity for candidates to meet with voters and participate in an entertaining activity.
Young says that candidates will be made known to the public no later than Feb. 7. When asked about the expected voter turnout, Young replied, “I want the election this year to have the largest turnout in the history of elections at Saint Louis University.”
Students will be able to vote on Feb. 24 via Webstar. Young encourages students to take advantage of this opportunity.
“I want the students to know how important the elections are, and that voting can make a difference and make their voices heard,” Young said.
