COLUMN: Election bylaw changes good for USU/SA
Final approval of the 2014 election bylaws unanimously passed the USU/SA Executive Council at the end of last semester, and that approval brings a few changes to the elections process that students and potential candidates should be aware of.
Perhaps the biggest change was the removal of a restriction from potential candidates to state their intentions of running for office. Previously, the elections bylaws have been extremely confusing about what a candidate, or potential candidate, could or couldn’t say. Potential candidates may now state their intentions to run for office to other students but may not ask for support. Once the filing deadline passes on Jan. 27, candidates may then ask for the support of other students. Candidates may not distribute any form of published material, neither digital nor print, until weeks later.
Another change, as previously reported in The Utah Statesman, is candidates may only campaign off campus in residential areas and not businesses or churches. Those who crafted this portion of the election bylaws believe this will hedge against straining the relationship between USU and the community.
Students who have more than one major were previously banned from voting for academic senate candidates in all but one of their respective colleges; the college of their first declared major. This ban has been lifted and students who are declared majors in more than one college may now vote for the senate candidates who wish to represent each college.
Other changes that were made were mostly for simple housekeeping reasons or clarification purposes.
For students considering running for office, the entire elections packet is available online on the student association’s website at www.usu.edu/ususa. The packet includes a timeline, eligibility requirements, the bylaws and other information. Hard copies of the packet are also available in TSC 326.
There are, in total, 16 elected positions that will be filled in this year’s elections, ranging from graduate student representation to athletics and clubs to academics. Those who are interested in seeking office are encouraged to meet with the current office holder to help gain an understanding about the position. Current officer contact information can be found on the website mentioned previously.
This year’s elections will be chaired by Kaela Baucom and Shelby Frauen and an official elections committee will be put together to help facilitate a smooth and fair elections process. As has been in the past, the challenge for the elections committee will be turning out students to vote in the elections and ensuring they have the necessary exposure to candidates. Students who are interested in serving on the elections committee should email ususaelections@gmail.com and ask for more information. All questions regarding the elections process may be directed to the same email address.
This year’s Election Week will be held Feb. 24-27, with the primary election being held Feb. 24 and 25 and the final election being held Feb. 26 and 27.
– Casey Saxton, a business administration major, serves as the public relations and marketing director for the USU Student Association. Casey can be reached at asusu.pr@usu.edu or in TSC 332A. Follow Casey on Twitter at @caseysaxton.