Students look toward a clean race

Despite last year’s complications with student body president elections, several members of the campus community are optimistic about the logistics of this year’s campaign season.

Last year’s election was tainted by numerous allegations accusing both top contenders of multiple violations.

But this year, UNC Board of Elections members are taking extra precautions, and Jonathan Curtis, assistant director for student activities and organizations, said he doesn’t think there will be many problems in the student-run race.

“I’m very confident the election board and candidates will run smoothly,” said Curtis.

Last year, Matt Calabria, the current student body president, and Lily West both were accused of multiple violations. After West won the runoff election by seven votes, the BOE ordered a re-election because of reported campaign violations.

Many students on campus remember the previous campaign season and said they believe the Board of Elections did well in handling the issues.

“I think the election process does work,” said Matthew M. Wynter, a junior political science major. “A lot of things that sound good in theory need to be worked out.”

Issues that need to be clarified include who is eligible to run, who can endorse candidates and what actions are permitted during the campaign, he said.

Student Congress worked during the fall to revise the Student Code in hopes of preventing a repeat of last year’s fiasco.

Candidates will meet with the BOE at 7 p.m. today in 116 Murphey Hall to learn more about the campaign codes outlined in Title VI of the Student Code.

Curtis said the problems faced in the 2004 elections will help students involved in campaigns by increasing their awareness of what can go wrong and making them more cautious of their actions.

The problems that came up last year were not anticipated, said Maggie Kao, a senior journalism major.

“I do trust the Board of Elections to make the right decision,” she said.

For sophomore Amy Huffman, a double major in political science and history, the election served as an eye-opener.

“I may look at the candidates more closely,” she said.

“I feel like it will affect the candidates because they will have to be more careful and pay more attention to rules.”

Many students thought last year’s problems surfaced because of the students and campaigners, not because of the BOE.

“I didn’t think there was anything wrong with the process; it was the campaigns,” said Satish Misra, president of Sangam.

Yet administration officials believe students will do well during this campaign.

“I certainly believe in the student elections and students’ ability to do this,” said Stephen Allred, executive associate provost.

Curtis said he has a lot of faith in the students to keep the elections clean because all University students pledge to live by the Honor Code.

“I always trust students. … I have faith that students here will always live by and adhere to (the Honor Code).”

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.