Student Government Elections

By Broadside Correspondent Lema Baha

Students at George Mason University have many opinions concerning the way the campus functions. A great way for students to voice their opinions and gain campaign experience is to run for Student Government.

This spring, students can run for president, vice-president or for 40 open seats in the senate. Election packets are now available in the Student Activities Office, which is located in the lower level of Student Union Building I. These packets are basic applications that will be reviewed by the Student Elections Commission.

“One of our main goals in the Student Elections Commission is to make the Mason student body aware that the elections process is in full swing,” said Josh Owens, student elections commission chair.

Students running for senate must receive 150 signatures from currently enrolled students at Mason and students running for president and vice-president must receive a total of 300 valid signatures. Students running for office must also have a minimum 2.0 GPA and remain in good academic standing.

“This is a perfect opportunity for those students who want to get more involved on campus,” Owens said.

Election packets must be turned in by March 21 to the Student Activities Office. Students may also fill out online applications which can be found at the Student Government website. After the applications are verified, students may begin campaigning, according to the regulations set up by the Student Government.

There will be debates scheduled in the spring and the elections will take place on April 15 and 16. Students will be able to vote in the Student Government elections through their Mason e-mail, where they will receive the election ballots.

“This is shaping up to be a very spirited election, and I speak for all of the Commissioners in the Student Elections Commission in saying that we are looking forward to the exciting events sure to follow,” Owens said.

For more information, contact Josh Owens at jowens7@gmu.edu.