The Race is On

Twenty-two students will vie for seven executive board positions in what many say will be one of the most competitive SA elections in recent history.

With five petitions handed in for president/vice president, five for treasurer, and seven for the four SUNY Student Association delegate positions, this year's race is already tighter than last year's, during which five positions ran unopposed.

"I think it's great that students are getting more involved," said Nick Dunford, the Elections and Credentials chairman. "Hopefully (the number of candidates) will increase voter turnout as well. That's been the goal for the entire year."

On the afternoon that petitions to run for SA office were due, there was a meeting to finalize the number of candidates and inform them of the election's rules and procedures. Candidates cannot start campaigning until March 21, thus none of the candidates were allowed to speak with The Spectrum.

This year there are five parties - Ascension, Roots, Cactus, Elevation and UB Chillin' - in addition to a handful of independents.

"It's a great turnout," said Dunford.

Among the rules and procedures, of which Dunford stressed the Elections and Credentials' no-tolerance policy for candidates who violate them, were restrictions over where and when candidates can campaign.

Although candidates can get endorsements from clubs and student publications, they cannot campaign in the SA, Generation or The Spectrum offices.

"No fliers in mailboxes, no walking around and saying your party name. Nothing," said Dunford.

Dunford also told candidates that if they run negative campaigns against their opponents, he would throw them out of the election and report them to the Student-Wide Judiciary.

Another election provision is that candidates spend no more than $400 on a campaign.

"People have spent $20 on a campaign and won. It's not that hard to do," said Dunford.

According to Dunford, everything Elections and Credentials asks of candidates revolves around fairness.

"This is going to be a fair election," he said. "Everyone is going to have the same opportunities."

Dunford also discussed with candidates the logistics of a debate. No debate was held last year due to the low number of candidates.

After throwing around a few possibilities, Dunford said, he and the candidates agreed to tentative details. The debate, which will be held the week after spring break in the Student Union, will offer an opportunity for every candidate to speak.

Candidates for president and vice president will debate Thursday, March 25, while treasurer and SUNY SA candidates will debate Friday, March 26. Either a faculty member from the political science department or a member of the Student-Wide Judiciary will moderate the event.

SA elections will be held March 29 to 31.