Candidates will be campaigning for positions in the LSU Student Senate, the legislative branch of Student Government, from Monday to Friday. 

The Senate is responsible for writing bills, providing funding and drafting resolutions to address problems in the LSU community. The Senate represents students by electing at least two students from each senior college. Certain colleges receive additional seats if they have high enrollment.

READ MORE: LSU Student Senate steps toward transparency, with progress to go on open meetings compliance

“You have to vote because who you elect is essentially who is making decisions for you, or advocating on your behalf,” Chair of the Elections Commission and political science senior Perri Eason said. “It’s important to vote because these are our student leaders, and government does play a huge role at LSU. Student Government does have a big impact, especially these Senate elections and voting for your senior college. That affects you directly.”

Eason manages the SG election along with the vice chair, commissioner of finance, commissioner of administration and commissioner of communications. The Elections Commission is a neutral party responsible for ensuring the election runs smoothly. This precludes its members from serving on campaigns or publicly endorsing candidates.

Potential candidates will be vying for votes during the campaign period, voicing their goals in the Quad, Free Speech Alley, Patrick F. Taylor Hall and other high traffic areas on campus. Typically, candidates focus their campaigns on topics that pertain to the major interests of students, such as security and student affairs. 

Voting will open through Tigerlink on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3. LSU SG will also provide a link to access voting on their website.  

Students vote only for representatives from their senior college, and freshmen vote for candidates in the University Center for Freshmen Year. However, all students can vote in referendums, such as the referendum for potentially raising the student activities fee.  

Through candidates and referendums, the outcome of the election will be felt in the LSU community.

“It is important to practice your student civil duty. Definitely voting and electing these student leaders into their positions plays a big role in your experience at LSU,” Eason said.
Results from the general election will be released on Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in Coates Hall, room 143. More information on the elections can be found on the SG website. Students with further questions or concerns can also contact Perri Eason and the Elections Commision at [email protected].