Student election heats up

As student elections kick into high gear, concerns about fair play are already creeping into the debate.

This week, 32 alleged violations of the student election guidelines were filed with the student government elections committee, an oversight board charged with ensuring the election runs smoothly and fairly.

The violations were filed by Justin Myers and Mary Fletcher, two students aligned with the Erin Devaney presidential campaign. The two allege that campaigners for opponent Amanda Barron broke campus posting rules.

The posting of advertisements on university property is regulated by university posting guidelines. Special exceptions to these policies are made for student elections, such as posting on skybridge pillars.

The committee will meet twice on Thursday, once at 7 a.m. and then at 11 a.m. to resolve the violations. Members have also indicated that if further action is necessary, they will take it.

Tonantzin Oceguera, director of student activities and leadership programs, said she was encouraged by the committee’s swift response.

"I think [the elections] are running a lot smoother than last year," Oceguera said.

Last year, student elections were invalidated by university administration after the student elections committee instructed a student that she could not campaign on campus. Administrators deemed that action a violation of her civil liberties and prompted a new election process.