The onslaught of snow and ice may have canceled two days of class and it may seem as if spring will never arrive, but there is one season that is sure to affect the Saint Louis University campus rain or shine: election season.
The 2011 Student Government Association election season is upon the members of the SLU community. One year ago, Courtney Anvender and the “Come Together” ticket began their would-be success campaign for SGA executive office and now other aspiring students are setting up to take over.
As the election season begins, there are some notable changes to the proceedings of this year’s election.
Election commissioner Chris McGeehan said that there will no longer be an option for senatorial candidates to run alongside the executive board candidates this year.
McGeehan said this change came after the elections last year under the commission of Sam Moore.
“This will change things a little bit and I’m curious to see how it turns out,” current SGA president Courtney Anvender said.
“Endorsement of individuals will still be a part of the game but to a hopefully lesser extent.”
The other notable change to this year’s election procedures was enacted in order to “make running easier” said McGeehan.
No longer due senatorial candidates need to receive 100 student signatures. Now, only 50 signatures are required. The same is for vice presidential candidates. Students running for presidency are still obligated to receive the former 100 signatures from other students.
In terms of goals for this year’s election season, McGeehan had one.
“I just want to make sure the election goes as smooth as possible,” McGeehan said. “I want it to run smoothly and I want to make myself available to all those who are running.”
McGeehan takes on the role of election commissioner with years of SGA experience. Having served as a senator before, McGeehan decided he wanted to take on a more passive role as compared to a senatorial position.
As mentioned before, this season will be the one year mark of Anvender’s “Come Together” campaign.
When asked if she had any feelings of nostalgia, Anvender said she was proud of her running mates and of her work accomplished this academic year.
“We had a very high energy level and I think the way we worked together this year showed that,” Anvender said. “I’m really proud we can count the library among our successes this year.”
The achieved scheduling of Pius XII Memorial Library was one accomplishment Anvender said was aided by proper planning in her platform.
“If there was one bit of advice I could share with those running it would be to not run on something you can’t accomplish,” Anvender said. “We met with a lot of departments, administrators and others to make sure our goals and our platform promises were attainable.”
While those student running for SGA positions are busy preparing for the rapidly- approaching election season, those students not seeking election, or those not even on senate, are still encouraged to participate.
“To the student body, I would really encourage them to pay attention,” Anvender said. “It’s really a unique opportunity for students to become a part of the conversation.”
One specific outlet for students to take advantage of this season is the SGA Executive Board and Presidential debate held Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. Also, students are reminded to vote for senatorial, vice presidential and presidential candidates on Feb. 28 via the Banner system.
