EVAN CARAVELLI/Arizona Daily Wildcat Jacob Reuben, center, calls his sister after learning he has won the largest percentage of votes for student body president in the ASUA primary election last night at the Student Union Memorial Center. Reuben garnered 1,160 total ballots and 31.7 percent of the vote.

UA students broke records the past two days in the highest voter turnout in an ASUA primary election since 1989.

A total of 3,806 students voted in the primary election, which is about 1,300 more than last year's primary turnout, topping the 2004 general election by 203 votes, according to the election tally.

Associated Students of the University of Arizona election commissioner Adam Falck said the high voter turnout was a direct result of the specific instruction given to the candidates on how to run an effective campaign.

"I was really surprised at the voter turnout," said Falck, who announced the results last night with ASUA President Alistair Chapman.

Although results were scheduled to be announced at 9:15 p.m., candidates and their supporters waited in the Kiva Room in the Student Union Memorial Center for more than an hour to hear primary election results for president, executive vice president, administrative vice president and senator positions.

Jacob Reuben, presidential candidate, received 31.7 percent of the presidential candidate vote and Cade Bernsen, presidential candidate, won 24.4 percent. Both will advance to the general election next week.

Both presidential candidates will participate in a debate sponsored by ASUA and moderated by Provost George Davis and Student Regent Ben Graff. The debate will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Kiva Room in student union.

The Arizona Daily Wildcat will also host a debate Monday in the Gallagher Theater at noon featuring the two presidential candidates and mediated by the Wildcat, UATV and KAMP Student Radio.

Erin Hertzog, unopposed executive vice president candidate, received 3,157 votes.

Cassi Sonn, with 46.2 percent of the administration vice presidential vote, and Fernando Ascencio, who took 28.3 percent, will also be on the ballot next week.

Of the 21 senators on the ballot, Brian Olnick was the only candidate who will not advance to the general election.

Students spent the hour waiting, and opponents gave one another hugs and engaged in conversation.

Some audience members tried to start a wave, and some clapped in unison and cheered.

Rob Woods, a political science sophomore, hushed the room and led a prayer with a group of students holding hands. Woods, the campaign manager for presidential candidate Michael Franklin, said he suddenly decided to pray for all the candidates in the room.

"It was just the spur of the moment," Woods said.

Once the results were announced, both winning and losing candidates said they were tired and glad the night had come to an end.

"I'm honored to have that many people vote for me," Bernsen said. "Now, we're going to regroup, but first I'm going get a good night's sleep."