Presidential candidate to be eliminated in this week's ASUA primary elections

Anthony Hill, Associated Students elections commissioner, said this year's primary should be "pretty typical," despite a low candidate number.

"I'm a little nervous about turnout," Hill said. "Hopefully, we can turn that around for the general (election)."

Polling stations are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow, and are located at the Student Recreation Center, the Old Chemistry Building, Park Student Union and the Harvill Building. Students need their CatCards to cast a vote.

Despite the low number of candidates, ASUA will distribute ballots similar to those used in last year's election, Hill said.

Although all candidates for senate and executive offices will appear on the ticket, the election will be held only to eliminate one presidential candidate, Hill said. He added that all other candidates will use the primary to gauge their possible success in the March 3 and 4 general elections.

Normally, candidates are eliminated from each office during the primary. But with one candidate running for executive vice president and one registered for administrative vice president, ASUA has been forced to spend about $4,000 to remove one of three presidential hopefuls.

This year's presidential candidates include ASUA Executive Vice President Cisco Aguilar, University Activities Board President Caitlein Ryan and finance junior Greg Kugler.

Aguilar said he feels "a lot more organized" this year but is still nervous about the election.

"I'm really excited to get started," he said. "This year feels a little more relaxed."

Hill implored people to participate in their student government's election process.

"We really hope students will come out," Hill said.