In an election where the parties have been criticized for having similar platforms, it’s fitting that their finance books also resemble one another.
Unlike past student government campaigns, the parties competing in this year’s Associated Students of the University of Utah election are almost neck and neck in their finances.
As of March 5, the first filing deadline for financial disclosures, Spork had raised $7,107 and Focus had raised $8,230.
The last time two parties ran in an ASUU election, there was a $2,000 disparity between their total donations. In last year’s election, the difference between the final two parties was more than $2,100. Because the difference between Focus’ and Spork’s contributions is about $1,100, the gap between them could be as small as six donations, with single donations being limited to $200.
If Spork wins the election on Thursday, it would be the first party in at least three years to win an election with fewer contributions than its competitor.
The two parties have also spent similar amounts of money. As of March 5, Spork had spent $6,143, while Focus had spent $6,853.
“Spending does not win you a campaign,” said Kariann Hibbard, Focus’ campaign manager. “Spending on the right things, that can help.”
Although Focus spent more on its signature teal T-shirts, posters and website, Spork spent $666 on trucker hats sporting a pair of sporks and the corresponding ASUU Senate or ASUU General Assembly candidate’s name.
“We wanted to go unconventional and different right from the beginning,” said Graham Anderson, Spork’s presidential candidate. Anderson’s party also went with tie-dye as a party color, another first for an ASUU campaign.
Focus explored a new marketing technique by printing the first full-color photos for every one of its candidate’s posters.
Voting for the elections begins today and ends Thursday at 10 p.m. Students can vote online through the Campus Information System or by following the link at www.asuu.utah.edu.
Tyler CobbASUU parties spend their budgets on food to give to students during open campaigning week. Voting for the election runs until Thursday at 10 p.m.