Student body gears up for ASUA spring primary elections

Applications are due Monday for UA students planning to run for student government elected posts. As of yesterday, 38 students had applied for slots in the Associated Students primary elections.

Associated Students has received six applications for president, two executive vice presidential bids, four for administrative vice president and 26 for senate, said Anthony Hill, ASUA elections commissioner.

ASUA Executive Vice President Cisco Aguilar said the number of students running has grown with the number of Senate seats available.

"Ever since the Senate went from seven to 10 members, it (the number of candidates) has increased," he said, adding that last year's primaries attracted 25 candidates.

All candidates must have attended the UA for at least one semester prior to elections. Undergraduates with political aspirations also have to take a minimum of seven units and at least a 2.0 grade point average. Graduate students can take three units, but are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Candidates also need to submit petitions signed by enrolled students with their applications. Potential presidents need 500 signatures, vice-presidential applicants have to collect 400, and Senate candidates must have 300.

Candidates are also required to state their platforms, goals and favorite aspects of the UA in an essay. Application packets are available in the ASUA office, located above the UA Associated Students Bookstore.

Included in the packet are expense logs, suggestions on running an effective campaign and an elections calendar. The general elections will be held March 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.