As spring elections draw near, University students can expect an explosion of fliers and chalk advertisements around Grounds.
The election process kicked off last night with the first of three mandatory information sessions, where potential candidates receive essential campaign materials, including rules and petitions. The final sessions will be held tonight and tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in the Newcomb Hall art gallery.
Positions are available in class councils, school councils, the University Judiciary Committee, Student Council and the Honor Committee.
"Usually the most popular positions are representatives in the college, the Honor Committee and the Judiciary Committee," said Julie Teater, Council elections chair.
Voting will begin Feb. 18 at 8 a.m. and run until Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. Students will be able to vote online using their student identification number at www.uvastudentcouncil.com/vote/.Council President Micah Schwartz said he hopes candidates for the next generation of Council representatives and officials are "enthusiastic, ambitious leaders," and want to fix problems at the University.
Campaigning begins Feb. 12 at 12 a.m. and ends the last night of elections.
In an effort to encourage students to study abroad and still stay involved with the University community, the elections committee created a system by which a student can run for a position even if they are spending a semester overseas.
According to Teater, one student running in the Engineering school will take advantage of this new system. A campaign manager will represent the student and be responsible for publicity. The student will return next semester to serve the term, if elected.
Roughly 50 percent of students in the College and Engineering school voted in last spring's elections. Graduate students, however, turn out in lower numbers, lowering the average for the entire student body to about 40 percent, according to Schwartz.
Runoffs, if necessary, will occur between Feb. 25 and Feb. 26. Runoffs for Student Council executive positions are fairly common since they are required if a candidate wins by less than five percent, Teater said.
Though less likely, runoffs are possible in races for other elected positions as well. Last year, two candidates for second-year class president tied, requiring voting to be re-opened.
Elections organizers said they are looking forward to bringing fresh talent and enthusiasm to the student leadership area.
"Last year, lots of positions went unopposed," Teater said. "We're looking for a diverse range of candidates and hoping to get all the spots filled."
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