ASUA primaries forced indoors by weather

Charles C. Labenz Arizona Daily Wildcat Criminal justice sophomore Derick Kurdy marks his ballot inside the ASUA office yesterday. Due to the late afternoon rain, ASUA voting stations were moved indoors. Polls will be open today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Associated Students officials and volunteers processed votes at four locations until they had to rush the computerized voting system indoors to three sheltered spots.

Associated Students President Gilbert Davidson assisted in moving the new equipment, given to the University of Arizona by Pima County, into ASUA's offices, and confirmed that the equipment was not damaged.

During the dry but windy morning, students voted outside Old Chemistry, the Student Recreation Center, Park Student Union and Harvill.

But voting stations were forced to take cover inside the Park Union and Rec Center, and in ASUA headquarters, above the UA Associated Students Bookstore.

Rain or shine, many students did not and will not vote in the primaries or next week's general election - a troublesome dilemma for ASUA officials.

ASUA adviser Jim Drnek said potential voters might turn the other direction when they see polling places because they feel like nobody listens to them.

"The administration does care and does listen to what the Associated Students have to say," Drnek said.

Elections Commissioner Marcos Hernandez said students might be drawn to the polls if they research the candidates' platforms.

"They're not exposed to the issues and they don't think it will affect them," Hernandez said.

Administrative vice-presidential candidate Ryan Rosensteel said ASUA is to blame for the traditionally modest turnout.

"Student government doesn't do a good enough job to inform students about the issues," said Rosensteel, a molecular and cellular biology and political science sophomore.

Many students, however, did take the time to vote yesterday, including mechanical engineering sophomore Erik Friends.

"I'd like to have a say of who goes into office," Friends said.

Physiological sciences freshman Jessica Hansen said she also plans to cast her ballot.

"I'll vote for someone who gets involved and lets people know what's going on," Hansen said.

Some students had pre-planned agendas when entering voting booths.

Brian Spence, a management information systems junior, said he would only vote for candidates who belong to Greek organizations.

"I don't feel represented as a Greek by ASUA," Spence said. "The other candidates don't have as much to offer as the Greeks for the things that I'm looking for."

An issue for ASUA is appealing to non-traditional and off-campus students.

Elementary education sophomore Lindsey Holman, who lives off campus, fits into that group.

Holman admitted that she probably would not vote.

"I don't know anything about it," said Holman. "I go (to school) here and then I leave."

"I don't know any of the candidates, so I don't care," said Brendon Sklar, a computer science sophomore who did not vote.

Polls for the primary election are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.