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Editorial: Usual fiasco in store for SGA elections


SGA elections are coming up and this year’s election promises to be as logically unsound as ever.

As usual, only people who have been a part of SGA can run for the executive positions. One would think this is because executive leaders would need to have already been elected once by the student body. Unfortunately, this means that friends of SGA (assistants and other appointed positions) can run for executive positions while other students are not given this opportunity – one sure way to eliminate competition.

If you major in Art, Communications, Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, or if you are involved in Extended Campus and Continuing Education or International Programs, then you will likely be less educated about the candidates than the rest of the students.

That is because campaigning won’t be allowed in Gooch Hall, the place where all of the above students have classes. This is rather ironic, considering that 10 of the 22 Senate seats come from these represented majors. Or, maybe you can campaign in Gooch, considering that Section 4 Article 1 of the SGA campaign rules uses Gooch as an example for one of the buildings where you can have six posters.

A “meet the candidates” forum and a debate are set for March 27. But you are not allowed to campaign verbally (tell anyone about the debate) until that day. Maybe this is why so few students attend these forums. Such is also true with soliciting donations. You can ask for money, but cannot campaign verbally until four days before your posters and fliers may be posted on campus.

If you want to file a complaint with your SGA, you had better be ready to pay. SGA is charging $10 for any filed complaint. Forget the First Amendment freedom to petition your government for a redress of grievances – our SGA charges for the privilege.

SGA will not allow Facebook to be used for campaigning purposes, either. Progressive and effective forms of communications are not allowed here.

Only six posters, 20 fliers and three signs are allowed per candidate. Campaigning for SGA allows for absolutely no creativity. Maybe this is why SGA attracts such qualified personnel and why so many students are interested in what SGA is doing.