Just five weeks from today, a number of students will officially throw their proverbial hats into the Student Government Association ring at the spring nomination convention on Feb. 16. On that evening, all slates that have met the standards for nomination will be cleared to begin campaigning. Of course, if last year's convention is any indicator, we're once again in for a wild ride. Those who plan to run this year would be well served to learn from past mistakes and plan well in advance.
Last year's initial convention was thrown out after the eventual election winner Cardinal Impact, the lone slate to show up, failed to accurately gather the required 400 student signatures. What resulted was an ugly episode involving leaked voicemails and resignations, leading this newspaper to call repeatedly for Cardinal Impact to drop out. Before the election was over, all three slates in the race were fined for campaign violations.
I spoke with SGA President Beth Cahill about last spring's election, and she acknowledged her slate was not completely set going into the first convention. In regards to the signature snafu, Cahill acknowledged it could have been prevented.
"It could've been from a lack of preparation ... [Slate members] Carson [Lance], Mandy [Mills] and I had been involved in SGA in the past, so we knew the rules ... we missed people that we were working with that didn't know as much," she said.
Less than 25 percent of the student body voted in last year's election. This shows a disinterest in and distrust of the system. In order to win the votes of the students, effort needs to be shown this year that slates are willing to put the necessary time in. To prove they are serious about the job, candidates need to be preparing now, not a few days before the convention. Platform points take time, and all candidates and campaign staff need to be on the same page.
Fortunately, Cardinal Impact was able to rebound following a rocky election season and has done an amiable job leading the student government. That doesn't mean this year's candidates can't avoid similar pitfalls, however.
I spoke with several sources involved in forming a slate. They each asked to remain anonymous because the election code prohibits slates from speaking publicly until after the convention. The sources said they and other students have been looking into competing in the SGA election since early last semester, and one of the sources confirmed that a slate is in the early stages of developing a platform and will "absolutely" be at the convention next month. The source said the slate's candidates have previous SGA experience and are "a pretty good representation of the students."
"We're setting the bar pretty high this year," the source said.
None of the sources could confirm if a second slate plans to attend the convention, however one did emphasize the importance of students getting to choose who will represent them, adding "everyone is gunning for competition."
Cahill also acknowledged she met with students last semester who were seeking advice on putting together a slate to run this spring.
At the very least, there are students showing a legitimate interest in the office. But one slate is not enough. Students indeed deserve the right to choose their student government, not have it chosen for them by default.
With just weeks remaining before the convention, interested students need to be putting together solid platforms and vetting potential candidates. There is simply no excuse for mistakes this year.
Feb. 16 is just around the corner. SGA hopefuls need to take note and get to work.
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