Students prepare for upcoming USUSA 2016 elections

Enriching and improving the Utah State University college experience for hundreds of students isn’t an opportunity that comes often to a single student. But in the upcoming election season, candidates will be vying for that opportunity as student leaders.

“We want to emphasize that you have the potential to be in a position where you’re making and enacting real change and influencing Utah State. You can make a difference,” said Madison Maners, Utah State University Student Association elections co-chair.

For students interested in running for USUSA offices, the declaration of candidacy begins next Tuesday Jan. 19.

At a recent information booth held to inform potential candidates about election bylaws and standards, students shared their thoughts as they prepare to run for office.

“It’s nerve-wracking because there is so much stuff that goes on,” said Mitchell Stevens, a junior majoring in exercise science. “But I’m just excited to try and do my best. It’s better to try than not.”

Maegan Kasteler, a senior majoring in communications and religion studies, attended a BYU conference in place of a current student officer who was unavailable because of scheduling conflicts. She said this experience intrigued her and she became excited to learn more about running for office.

“I grew to love it,” Kasteler said. “I wanted to run, and I wanted to help change things.”

Students can run for office in three different domains: USUSA Executive Council, USUSA Academic Senate and USUSA Student Traditions, Activities and Arts board. Each position is accompanied with a scholarship, and members of the Executive Council are also rewarded with a stipend.

“We try to take a hands-off approach and create a structure in which these candidates can feel successful, whether they are elected to office or not. We want everyone to have a positive and successful experience when they run,” Maners said.

In weekly meetings, the USUSA Executive Council has worked to make sure all students involved in the elections were given equal prospects running for office. Last semester a few corrections were made to the election bylaws, including helping define passive and active campaigning, establishing guidelines for fair market values in fundraising and delegating the assessment of fees.

Several deadlines and campaigning strategies created by the elections committee can be used by students to help them receive support for their campaigns. The information booths are among one of the new strategies to help potential candidates learn more before the candidacy opens.

According to the 2016 USUSA elections packet, “The USUSA Elections Committee will produce a 30-second video of [the candidate’s] campaign platform and take [the candidate’s] photo to include in election advertising.”

The soonest candidates can submit their declaration of candidacy forms is on Jan. 19 at 8:30 a.m. at the Student Involvement and Leadership Center.

Candidates can begin social media campaigning on Feb. 15.

“We’re excited and we feel like it will be a fun experience. We’re here to try and help these candidates realize what these positions are capable of doing,” Maners said.

Primary elections are scheduled to go from Monday Feb. 22 at 7 a.m. until Tuesday Feb. 23 at 3 p.m.

“I’m very passionate about being involved with Utah State,” said Alexander Cook, a sophomore majoring in biological engineering. “I feel a certain tie to Utah State. I want to be a part of that legacy.”

The elections committee and co-chairs can be contacted at elections.ususa@usu.edu and can answer questions concerning the elections.

— ashley.ruth.stilson@aggiemail.usu.edu