USU Senate candidate disqualified over by-law violation

On Wednesday afternoon, it was confirmed that Utah State University business senator candidate Brock Yeager was disqualified from the race due to a USUSA elections violation.

Before being disqualified, Yeager was trailing behind candidate Drew Thorngren in the senate race. Monday’s primary results had Thorngren at 49.10% of the vote, Yeager at 27.59% and Caleb Smith at 21.67%.

According to USUSA election guidelines, a candidate must submit a financial audit of their campaign spending by Tuesday at 5 p.m. during elections week. An academic senate candidate cannot spend more than $200 of their own money on campaign materials. A financial audit is required to ensure they are not overspending to beat another candidate.

Yeager did not submit his financial audit before the deadline on Tuesday. According to the by-laws, this meant he was ineligible to remain in the race. However, according to Yeager, this was, partially, his choice.

“I’m the one who told them,” Yeager said. “Since hearing my competitor’s platforms on Monday, and through a lot of pondering, I came to the realization and belief that Caleb would be the best option for business school senator, and I genuinely believe that.”

As mentioned above, Smith got the lowest percentage of the primary vote. Therefore, Yeager said he dropped out of the race to give Smith a chance.

“Knowing that he would be the best option, I gave him a call to see if he would be interested in taking my place. He told me yes but wanted to make sure it was 100% my decision and he didn’t want any influence in it.”

Yeager said, after calling Smith, he emailed the committee to ask if Smith could take his spot. He then realized he had missed the financial audit deadline and reported himself to the election committee.

“It wasn’t fair that I continue if the other candidates followed the rules. I take full responsibility for my actions and do believe the actions of the elections committee was absolutely reasonable.”

The other candidates have been advised by USUSA public relations not to comment on the election committee’s decision.

@cripe_taylor