Mississippi State University students will vote today in the Colvard Union for this year’s Student Association senate representatives.
Voters will elect 50 new SA senators, who will represent the students in matters concerning SA funding, officer appointments, events, and any changes that may be made to the SA constitution, bylaws or statutes.
“The senate is constantly fighting for different things that will improve student life on campus. For example, we are getting a fall break this year because of a proposal made by the senate,” SA President Josh Blades said.
Eight senate positions could not be filled during last year’s election, as no candidates ran for the seats. Representatives were appointed to fill those positions.
This year, however, there are 99 candidates on the ballots and competition for each of the positions.
“I think that the hopes of every election are that all students will vote and that there will be clean elections and adequate polling staff to make things run smoothly,” Blades said.
Last year’s senate election saw nearly 1,700 voters. Although it was almost 1,000 fewer than voted in the executive officer elections this spring, it was still a high turnout when compared to years past.
Some students relate the lower number of voters in the senate election to the fact that they are not as highly publicized as the spring elections.
“I voted last year for the big elections because there were signs everywhere and candidates campaigning before it. There were constant reminders to vote. But honestly, I didn’t even know about this election. They really should publicize it more,” said Neil Norton, a junior mechanical engineering student.
Some students said they will vote simply because they feel it is their civic duty.
“I’m probably going to vote, just because I think it’s important to be active in the decision-making at MSU,” said Jarrod Gilmore, a sophomore engineering student.
The SA also sponsors student activities, including the upcoming Bulldog Bash and Homecoming activities.
The group also authorizes all appropriations made by the executive and the judicial branches of the SA before they go into effect. The senate also has the power to grant money to registered groups for several expenses including conference and registration fees, keynote speakers and catering.
In addition to finances, the legislators must also approve appointments made by the other two branches. These appointed offices include chief of staff, assistant chief of staff, two executive assistants, and the Judicial Council.
2Reflector Newspaper2SORT š™2STR
o”