The University Board of Elections announced the results of the fall elections last night. The UBE reported a disappointingly low turnout in the elections, which decided seven Student Council positions and one referendum, with only 12 percent of undergraduates and 2 percent of graduates voting.
In the Council representative races, third year Matthew Bradley was elected to the open Commerce School position, and voters decided on second year Matthew White and third year Pavan Gupta as representatives to the Engineering School. Fourth year Thomas Gibson, third year Tony Chen and second years Dionna Lewis and Dan Newland now hold College representative positions after an uncontested race.
Additionally, the only referendum on the ballot passed with the approval of 87 percent of the voters. The referendum states the University should not invest in any company that does business with the government or militias of Sudan because of Sudan's connection with the genocide in Darfur.
As a candidate in one of only two contested races, Bradley said he is eager to begin working with Council.
"I put in a lot of time through campaigning," Bradley said. "It was a close race, and I am happy to have won. I look forward to working with Student Council. There were four strong candidates, and I am fortunate to have won."
While the fall elections traditionally have a lower turnout than the spring elections, UBE officials attributed this year's especially low turnout to the lack of competition and subsequent reduction in campaigning.
"The numbers are down from last year by about half, which is not as good as we would have liked," UBE Chair Sara Anderson said. "There was a little more competition in some races last year than this year."
Second-year College student Jackie Sherbuk said she thinks the lack of competition detracted from her voting experience.
"I voted but was disappointed at the fact there was nothing to vote on but a referendum," Sherbuk said. "There were four positions available for the College and only four people running, so your vote didn't really matter because the outcome was determined."
Anderson said despite low voter turnout, the fall elections are still important because they determine who holds seats on Council.
"The fall elections are to fill spots that might have gone unfilled in the spring elections," Anderson said. "Also, there are some positions on student council that are staggered and are elected in the fall"
Read More
U.Va. loses over $60 million in federal research cuts
By Bertie Azqueta | YesterdayThe impacted grants include three from the NIH, seven from the NEH, one from the United States Agency for International Development and four from the State Department.
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 4 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 5 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
