Elections Commission says campaign filing going smoothly

None of the "Big Four" seek reelection

Jake Goldbas

Correspondent

Published: Sunday, February 22, 2009

Updated: Sunday, February 22, 2009

Filing for Student Government positions, which ends Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., is functioning well, Andrew Tucker, the student elections commissioner, said.

Tucker said although only 20 people have filed so far, many people will scramble to file this week. He even said Wednesday should be a "revelation" in terms of who is running.

"The majority of the filings will be on Tuesday and Wednesday," Tucker said.

Tucker also mentioned that many of the student Senate positions are still open and may go uncontested.

According to Tucker, student candidates may have to meet with advisers or ask the commission for more information, depending upon the office in question.

But despite some minor things, Tucker said this year has run smoother than last year because the date had to be extended by a couple of days, even though there are about the same number of candidates who have filed. The extension was due to a packet taking too long to get through the Student Senate.

One change from last year is that there are not as many candidates running for reelection.

Specifically, none of the "Big Four," Student Body President, Student Body Treasurer, Chief Justice and Senate President, are running to get back in office.

Dawkins said instead of running for Student Body President he will run for Senior Class President. He will be running against Caroline Gibson, who is currently filed with the Commission.

This creates both challenges and benefits, according to Tucker.

"The advantages for having reelection candidates is that they know the rules," he said.

However, Tucker also said knowing the rules means candidates "also have creative ways to get around the rules."

The Elections Commission will make sure that it finds out what candidates are aware of the rules and who is unaware of them in order make sure that everybody has a fair chance at election.

Student Government has posted a debate on its blog inviting students to talk about what they know about candidates.

"We are now currently taking debate questions from the student body so you can take control of elections again," the blog reads. "Please submit your questions about diversity, tailgating, dining, transportation, tuition and fees, reading days, current programs available, or anything else you can think of to ncsudebatequestions@yahoo.com."

Kelli Rogers, senate president pro tempore and a junior in political science, said if anyone is interested in filing for any student body office there are two forms that have to be filled out. The first one is generic information geared toward providing personal information and stating you'll follow the election rules in the elections packet and the Student Body Statutes. Form B is a release to give your academic and student conduct information to the election commission and the Student Government adviser, since you have to be in good standing with the Student Body in order to run.

Rogers said she has hopes this year's election goes well.

"I hope that this campaign season will not restrict [those] who don't have as much money and I also hope that students don't break the rules when it comes to spending limits. I hope that it's more fair for everybody," Rogers said.

Tucker said the veto of Government Bill 37, the elections reform bill, should not be a problem for this week's filing.

The veto has caused it to be reformed as two different bills. One will be on rules and regulations and the other is a finance reform bill. Because Dawkins vetoed the bill, no reforms will go into effect until the next election.

At the same time, the bill will still go into effect, and is expected to be passed at the next Student Senate meeting, Rogers said.

"If you disagree with any of these rules that are going to be changed, or have any other suggestions, contact your senator," Rogers said. "Whatever bill passes on Wednesday will definitely improve the elections process and fairness."