The University Board of Elections this week released candidates' interim expenditure reports that included a complete account of all purchased materials and services as of Feb. 25.
This is the first year that candidates were required to submit interim reports, which were mandated by the UBE and released to the public, UBE member Justin Bernick said.
"If people know expenditures are available to the public, they can keep their spending in line and are not likely to try to buy the election," he said.
Campaign spending ranged from $0 to over $300.
Bernick said he has not noticed any problems with the new system.
"People have been truthful," he said.
He added that candidates who add themselves to the ballot after the Feb. 25 deadline could pose a possible problem with the new system because the public would not be aware of their spending at interim.
"We are still in the development process," Bernick said. "We are learning as we go."
Student Council presidential candidate Curtis Ofori said he spent the majority of his money on flyers, photocopying and building his campaign Web site. Ofori said he spent personal funds to finance his campaign, adding that he does not have an opinion concerning expenditure limits.
"I do not really care one way or another," Ofori said. "If you're spending a lot of money, people are going to think you are desperate. I do not spend money on anything extravagant."
Instead, Ofori said he spends his money to inform students about the upcoming election and has spent a total of $26.27 thus far.
Council presidential candidate Elliot Haspel also said he funds his campaign with personal finances, the majority of which have been spent on flyers, chalking and photocopying. He has spent a total of $108.50.
Haspel also said he holds no opinion on spending limits and believes that imposing restrictions on expenditures should be left to the UBE and Council.
"I think the question of campaign finance is extremely complicated," Haspel said.
Council presidential candidate Greg Scanlon said he spent the majority of his money on cups for a recent bar night and flyers and reported that he spent a total of $99.94. A mixture of donations made to his Web site and personal finances funded his campaign, he said.
"I like this new system," Scanlon said. "I have not seen any ludicrous spending."
The fourth Council presidential candidate, Noah Sullivan, could not be reached for comment yesterday. Sullivan's campaign has spent $40.80 thus far.
Bernick said he does not believe the UBE will impose a limit on spending.
"We cannot [impose limits] because it is illegal to impose arbitrary restrictions on how much candidates can spend," Bernick said.
A volunteer cap on finances has been proposed, Bernick added, but this idea has not been implemented.
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