The AUSA Senate passed a resolution on Tuesday changing the voting process for the Senate Elections in the hope of simplifying the voting process and increasing voter turnout in the upcoming election.
According to John McMahon, off-campus senator, DU senate elections usually have a voting turnout of 20-25 percent, while other campuses of similar size usually see a turnout of 10-15 percent.
“We would like to see an increased voting turnout this year, instead of 20-25 percent we’d like to see 30-35 percent of students taking part.
“We want the elections to be a fair, open process of campaigning where the candidates respectably share their visions for the university,” McMahon said.
The old voting system had a history of creating problems and unnecessary complications . According to McMahon, in years past, rising juniors and seniors who wanted to vote for off-campus senators had to forego the electronic ballot and email their votes to the director of campus activities, Carl Johnson.
The students were often confused as to which candidate would be representing them and frequently failed to vote for the issues that would actually be affecting them in the upcoming school year.
This year students who register for on campus housing will vote for on-campus senators, while students who are not registered for on-campus living will vote for off-campus senators. The elections will take place on Monday, April 27 at 6 a.m. and run through Wednesday, April 29. Voting will close at 11 p.m.
The voting hours which previously were from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be extended to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in order to give students with busier schedules an opportunity to participate.
Also for the first time in four years there will be designated voting stations set up in the Fireside Room in Driscoll Student Center and in Nelson Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
The AUSA Senate expects the early election date will also allow for a smoother shift of senate members.
The extra two-week transition period will allocate time for present senate members to talk to the newly elected members about current projects and contacts who may help them during their term as senator. The Senate anticipates this change will help longer term projects carry on into the future instead of becoming lost in the changeover process.
The application for Senate candidates became available yesterday on the senate website and by emailing present Senate members. Applications are due to the Senate Affairs mailbox by 5 p.m. Monday.
There will be a mandatory meeting on April 20 in Driscoll Ballroom for all those interested in running. Campaigning may begin after the meeting.
