Fewer students interested in ASUA candidacy

Elections Commissioner Marcos Hernandez said that about 15 fewer students than last year have picked up Associated Students candidate packets since they became available Monday. Hernandez would not say how many students have taken packets.

"I don't understand why there is a lower turnout," he said. "We put an ad in the paper (Arizona Daily Wildcat) and people know this is the time you turn out."

Hernandez said that prospective candidates ideally should have picked up their packets yesterday to make the Feb. 9 deadline for submitting the nominating petitions. Students, however, can pick up packets through Friday.

"We have had people come in as late as Friday and still get it done," he said.

Presidential candidates must gather 500 University of Arizona student signatures, while those campaigning for administrative vice president and executive vice president need 400 signatures. Senate candidates must collect 300 signatures.

Hernandez said the race may not be as competitive this year if lower turn-outs persist.

"Comparatively speaking, it's going to be an easier race because the competition is narrowed down," he said.

Presidential candidates also will not have to run against an incumbent. ASUA President Gilbert Davidson will graduate in May.

Davidson said he hopes more students will run for office.

"I wish all the candidates the best of luck in their pursuit of an office," he said. "It is a great chance to show students care about the University of Arizona and the welfare of the student body."

Aspiring officers must have attended the UA for at least one semester and carry a minimum of seven units. Undergraduate candidates must have at least a 2.0 GPA, while graduate candidates must have a 3.0 minimum GPA.

For additional campaign guidelines, Hernandez said, prospective candidates should review the revised Elections Code, a document that highlights changes in campaign spending and politicking.

Last month, the ASUA Senate voted to raise the ceiling on campaign expenditures by $25 to avoid unsavory campaign practices, Hernandez said.

Off-campus campaigning was also banned this year, and the Senate set stricter guidelines for campaigning in designated areas.

The new Elections Code also limits candidates' choices for printing and copying supplies and services. They are limited to two locations: Kinko's, 2607 E. Speedway Blvd., and Fast Copy in the Memorial Student Union.

These limits were set to ensure that all candidates get the same prices for posters, handbills and other campaign materials, Hernandez said.

"That way all the candidates are playing on a level playing field," he said.

Students interested in working at the polls on election day also may pick up applications at ASUA this week. Applications also will be online later this week, said Robert Sandoval, assistant elections commissioner. Completed forms are due Friday at 5 p.m.

Primary elections are set for Feb. 24 and Feb. 25, and general elections will be March 3 and March 4.