It's ASUA election time on the UA clock as candidate packets become available for students interested in running for any of the 13 elected positions.

President, executive vice president, administrative vice president and 10 senate seats are up for grabs in the two-round election, for which official campaigning begins on Feb. 13.

Primaries are scheduled for Feb. 26 and 27 and the general election will take place March 6 and 7.

As the voting dates approach, the Associated Students of the University of Arizona elections committee is already looking at how to increase voter turnout.

Last year, when ASUA offered online voting for the first time ever, voter turnout increased 57 percent in the primary elections and drew 2,398 voters. General elections figures increased from 2,032 votes in spring 2000 elections to 2,600 in 2001.

ASUA President Ray Quintero said an online voting site containing 12 computers with Ethernet access will be set up on the UA Mall stage so that students can vote between classes. Candidate debates, which traditionally have taken place in residence halls, will also be held on the Mall this year.

"We really want to increase awareness of the campaign," he said.

ASUA Sen. Josh Maxwell pointed to last year's jump in voter totals, saying that because the online voting system is now established, more students will be likely to vote.

"This year, we're going to build on the success we had in the past," he said. "If we can increase (voter turnout) by 50 percent, it would be great."

Pamphlets to help familiarize students with the candidates will be distributed all over campus soon, said Elections Commissioner Joseph Rogers. He said students who become involved with ASUA will be able to make changes on campus, gain leadership experience and earn recognition among students.

"You really have the opportunity to meet a lot of great people and affect change on the U of A campus," Rogers said.

Those considering involvement with ASUA can pick up a candidate packet in the ASUA offices on the third floor of the Student Union Memorial Center above the UofA Bookstore after 8 a.m.

For more information on elections, contact the ASUA Elections Committee at 621-4631 or see their Web site at www.asua.arizona.edu.