More debates, more parties and more clarifications of election rules will occur in the upcoming student government elections, which begin when candidates start filing this Friday.
At the elections premiere meeting held last night, Elections Registrar Lorraine Evans emphasized her desire for all candidates running for ASUU office to know the rules.
“What we’re looking at this year is the spirit of the law?Mistakes have consequences, but lies bring down a campaign,” Evans said. “We want integrity and candidates reaching out to students.”
Special Prosecutor Zan Larsen said, “Ignorance of the elections rules will not in any circumstance constitute a defense–ignorance is not bliss.”
Larsen and current Associated Students of the University of Utah President Jake Kirkham also emphasized positive and proactive campaigning.
While only two parties ran last year, at least four parties are planning to run this year. Presidential, vice presidential and senior class president candidates can file this Friday. Senate and General Assembly candidates must file by Feb. 2.
Candidates cannot begin active campaigning until posting day on Feb. 24.
Four debates are scheduled to occur this year, as opposed to the two that were held in last year’s elections. Redbook, the ASUU constitution, mandates that at least three debates be held during an election season.
Along with the traditional Marriott Library Plaza debate, debates will be held at the Residence Halls, Greek Row and either the LDS Institute or the Union.
“The best debates are done via organizations to get student involvement,” Evans said.
To clarify financial issues and electronic campaigning, additions and amendments were added to Redbook and the elections packet.
Candidates can now disclose expenditures through three price categories: everyday retail price, wholesale price and non-value perishable goods. Even items received at $0 must be disclosed.
The Elections Committee is developing a new financial form for anything concerning potential contributions from outside parties and vendors. This will be available Friday.
“Last year, there were big financial rule violations,” said Clayton McDonald, vice presidential candidate for former Chief of Staff Rick Pehrson. “Specifications and such large changes will be the key.”
Rules regarding electronic posting, including campaigning on Facebook or MySpace, were added to the elections packet. Candidates may not ask for votes or declare candidacy on Facebook or MySpace until posting day on Feb. 24. Electronic posting is limited to the candidate’s own profile.
“Facebook and MySpace rules were not in the elections packet in previous years,” Evans said. “It’s just in keeping with the current times.”
Candidates now are limited to internal campaigning until posting day. “Right now, we’re going to get to as many people as we can without breaking rules,” said Ryan Carrier, running mate of presidential candidate and former ASUU Spokesman Cameron Beech.
Kim PetersonJake Kirkham reminisces with Special Prosecutor Zan Larsen about the Students First campaign two years ago and gives current hopefuls campaign advice yesterday in the Union.