ASUA senators had a heated debate about the elections code for the 2003-2004 elections.

Senators spoke out of turn, and Melanie Rainer, Associated Students of the University of Arizona executive vice president, often had to remind senators of correct meeting conduct and procedures.

The discussion concerned whether to lower the number of signatures needed to run for an elected ASUA position.

Sen. Jacob Reuben, who was against lowering the requirement, said that if candidates want the job, then they should be willing to get more signatures.

He added that starting the elections process earlier would give interested students plenty of time to get the signatures.

But Dan Suh, elections commissioner, said that it is not ASUA's job to determine who is qualified to run and requiring a large amount of signatures is an unnecessary requirement.

ASUA President J.P. Benedict said he was afraid that students might be intimidated by the amount of required signatures if they are unfamiliar with the process.

Sen. Matt Harris said that having a large requirement might promote an elitist organization within ASUA.

No changes were made to the elections code, and the issue was tabled for more discussion at a later date.