Not all candidates were available for photographing
ASUCC Elections
The ASUCC student government electoral process is in full swing as election day approaches. On May 22 and 23, elections will be held for ASUCC positions. Students will be able to cast their vote at the polls which will be located next to the library.
Candidates will have a chance to discuss their plans of action and influence the way students cast their votes on Friday May 18 at high noon, when a forum will be held in the cafeteria.
Historically, voter turnout has been poor during ASUCC elections. The record number of votes cast during the ASUCC elections stands at 460 votes. Last year the record was almost matched with 459 votes cast for the current members of the ASUCC administration.
“I would like to see that record broken; it represents only 17% of 3000 students. It’s sad we can’t get more people to vote,” said candidate Freddy Gompf.
ASUCC Presidential Candidate Brenna Martin was not surprised by the low voter turn outs. She said she believes the low voter turnout is caused by the large student population who take online classes but don’t come onto campus. Currently, votes may only be cast at the polling booth located on campus.
“I believe in an online polling solution for students,” said Martin.
Lack of opposition for several positions has caused some concern amongst the current ASUCC administration.
“I would like to see more candidates, and I have been speaking in classrooms to try to gain more student involvement,” said current ASUCC Vice President Chris Harwood during the ASUCC meeting April 30.
Harwood is not alone in his disappointment with the lack of competition in this election.
Student Adrian Currier says, “It’s bothersome to me that students don’t want to run for positions.”
However, there are students who are sympathetic towards the lack of competition in the ASUCC election.
“We are compounding an election with graduation, so now is not the best time for these elections with so much experience leaving,” says Kingsley Hubbell.
Most of the candidates have found themselves unopposed in this election. The activities director, business manager, and public relations candidates are all running uncontested. These candidates are Dixie Ballweber, Elizabeth Marlow and Karlie Wilhelmi respectively.
The race for the ASUCC presidency took a welcomed competitive turn late in the campaign. Brenna Martin had been the only candidate until Luke Rice stepped up and filed his application Monday May 6, announcing his intent to be a write-in candidate.
“I don’t want to be the only option,” said Martin in approval of the competition.
Meanwhile, in the race for the vice-presidency, the spirit of competition is alive. Freddy Gompf and opponent Tyler Landreth have both announced their candidacy for the V.P. slot. Both candidates have been closely following current ASUCC V.P. Chris Harwood, learning the duties and responsibilities of the V.P. seat.
Candidate positions are still available, and ASUCC members hope students will rise to the leadership challenge. Students interested in running for a seat on the ASUCC council are still able to get on the ballot by filling out an application and running as write in candidates, a practice which ASUCC approves of. Applications for candidacy are due by May 14.
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