In a report set for release today, the University Board of Elections recommended that new UBE members make better use of Internet capabilities and that the University adopt a uniform policy on chalking and fliers.
The report advised the incoming UBE to consider adding a write-in voting option in the future. In the previous system run by Student Council, voters could write in candidates on their ballots the day of the election.
"A write-in option could make access to the election process easier for candidates," Bernick said.
The report also advised asking candidates and endorsing organizations to submit forms over the Internet rather than as paper documents.
Considering the large amount of paperwork required in the election, the process could be made smoother with the help of the Internet, outgoing UBE member Justin Bernick said.
Second-year College student David Hobbs, who ran for Honor representative this election cycle, agreed that relocating the process online would improve the system.
"Increasing the role of the Internet in the election procedure would make it easier for candidates," Hobbs said. "It would also give voters more up-to-date access to expenditure reports."
The report also noted that the new Instant Run-off Voting System is beneficial and should be implemented again next year.
The UBE said most complaints it received during the election dealt with fliers and chalking on Grounds.
"A standardized fliering and chalking policy by the University would help greatly," UBE Chair Brian Cook said. "Candidates should be held to the same standard as any individual or organization on Grounds. It's difficult to maintain some semblance of order if the average University student doesn't have any concrete policy to which they are held right now."
In response to low turnout at the UBE-sponsored debates and forums held before the election, the report recommended the debates be filmed and put online.
"If debates are put on the online voting guide as streaming video, more students will watch the debates," Cook said. "It will also increase the relevancy to candidates of these forums."
The report noted that campaign finance reform likely will be the most important issue for next year's board and recommended a thorough debate on the matter. This year, unlike in previous years, no spending limit existed for candidates or organizations.
Bernick said in order to make elections fairer for everyone, the new UBE should consider implementing a finance system in which candidates can voluntarily restrict their expenses in exchange for some benefits, such as free supplies or matching funds.
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