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BSG election uncontested, prohibiting write-in candidacy By Amanada Seef As the election for Brockport Student Government president and vice president dwindled to just one ticket running, two students began a write-in campaign to bring about change and reform to BSG and their processes. Stringent Election Guidelines have students up in arms, requesting the legitimacy of a write-in campaign. Currently, the only ticket for president and vice president is Kyle Amendola and Bill Keating. As long as the duo stay in the clear of election guidelines, campaigning rules, and receive at least one vote on election day, they will be the elects for the 2008-09 academic year. In order to properly run for an executive position in BSG, petitions are signed by students at the request of the candidate. Petitions are verified by the Election Commission and BSG Administration, allowing the candidates to begin campaigning on a date determined by the commission. Write-in candidates would evade this step, which many see as “weeding out” students with poor intentions, or students that do not want to put in hard work from the start. The Election Commission’s guidelines state, “Write-in candidates are only allowed in contested BSG elections. All write-in candidates must meet the eligibility requirements and follow all campaign regulations within regulations within the BSG Election Guidelines.” Contested election is defined as one in which no default winner can be declared. Although the election originally began as a contested election, the disqualification of Darnell Pierce and Michelle Ford pushed the election into an uncontested election. Therefore, write-in candidates will not be counted. Despite the technical setbacks, Grant and Miner hope to bring change and choice to the student body. “We want to allow people to make their choice based on their knowledge of both candidates,” Grant said. “We need to prioritize the budget at the beginning of the year and not stray from it,” Grant said. “Next year will be as close to what the students want.” Grant is currently a promotions assistant in BSG, though Miner has not been involved with BSG. “It is not a downfall, it is a positive thing,” Miner said. “I know the student perspective and I keep my inquisitive side open.” Miner is involved with many clubs and organizations on campus. “I give everything I have to what I’m doing at that time,” Miner said. While their campaign will not be allowed by the Election Commission, Grant and Miner continue to speak with members of the student body. “Everyone we talk to, our friends, our opposition, all the students — they make what we are,” Grant said. “I consider myself lucky just to talk to so many people.” Students may choose whomever they want on election day, though any names that are written in will not be counted toward the final election decision. Facebook groups and other forms of pasive activism have been brought to the surface. The group “I only get one choice in the BSG election? THEN YOU CAN COUNT ME OUT!” has caught the attention of students and officials on campus, bringing the issue to light in a public forum. The group’s description states, “Up until now we at least had a chance to make a choice, regardless of what lever you were going to pull come election day. You still were provided the chance to choose a group that you felt would best represent your money.” Others disagree. “If students are so upset with the BSG presidential race being uncontested, I have a couple suggestions,” one student who wished to remain anonymous said. “Become more involved in BSG next year. Voice your concerns to your representatives that sit on the board of directors. If you’re not satisfied with your representatives, then run yourself or find someone who believes in the same set of values and morals. Most importantly, have your voice heard. “Every student that paid their Brockport Student Government mandatory fee had the opportunity to take out a petition.” |
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