A computer lab, Middleton Library, Starbucks or even a bathtub.Anywhere students can connect to the Internet, they can vote in theStudent Government Fall Elections today.
Devin Reid, commissioner of elections, said the Office ofComputing Services is allowing students to vote from 8 a.m. to11:59 p.m. anywhere via their PAWS account.
Reid said 30 candidates are seeking Senate seats in the fourcolleges, four students are vying for two spots on University Courtand three students are running for one seat on the RecreationalSports Management Council.
Only four out of 17 colleges have open Senate seats. Studentsnot in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Basic Sciences,University College Center for Advising and Counseling andUniversity College Center for Freshman Year cannot vote for theSenate portion of the ballot.
But they can vote for two referendums Student Senate added tothe ballot. SG is asking students to approve a $1 fee increase toensure the New York Times and Wall Street Journal will stay oncampus free of charge and a $2.50 fee increase for enhancing campusconcerts.
Reid said the fall elections typically yield lower turnout thanthe spring elections, which draw about 3,000 to 4,000 students.
Reid also said he hopes the online voting will produce a higherturnout because it is more convenient.
Travis Broussard, a sociology sophomore, is one of threecandidates vying for the Recreational Sports ManagementCouncil.
Broussard said he wants to add “a little touch” tothe council and help make positive changes for the UniversityRecreational Sports Complex.
Broussard said he joined the “Believe ChangeHappens” ticket in hopes of getting elected.
“Joining a ticket is probably the best way to get on thecouncil,” he said.
Sarah Raymond, biological sciences sophomore, is running on the”Positive Impact” ticket for the College of BasicSciences Senate seat.
Raymond said if elected, candidates on the “PositiveImpact” ticket will work to expand the student section inTiger Stadium, look into a textbook rental system and discusstrying to make dead week more student – friendly.
Raymond said she has never been on Senate before, but is excitedabout working for the students. She also said she is confident inher chances of getting elected.
Cameron Hanover, political science freshman, is running as anindependent candidate.
Hanover said he is most concerned with issues such as parkingand football tickets for freshmen.
And Hanover said he thinks he has a pretty good shot at winningeven though there are 18 candidates running for five seats.
“I’ve got a pretty good Baton Rouge base becausethat’s where I’m from,” he said.
Students can access the online ballot through the StudentServices section on PAWS.