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SGA approves election board, calendar

By Geronimo Rodriguez
Senior Staff Writer

The Student Government Association Senate named its Election Commission and approved the calendar for this year's general election during an emergency meeting Wednesday.

Jason Short, a communication senior, was approved as chief election commissioner and Jackie Thomas, a consumer science and merchandising senior, and Kelechi Meremikwu, a political science junior, were appointed assistant commissioners.

"It's been a long process, but I think we made good decisions. We wanted to bring in a diverse group of students to better represent the student body, and I think we did that," Krystal Wormly, the Internal Affairs Committee chairwoman, said. Wormly's committee nominated the election commissioners.

The SGA Election Code states that members of the Election Commission should be chosen "based on experience, integrity, impartiality and good judgment," adding that the election commissioners are responsible for "the efficient and prompt execution of the general election."

"We'll hold the election commissioners under great scrutiny so we can have a fair and unbiased election with no problems and no controversy," SGA President Dawona Miller said.

The election calendar sets the deadline for filing applications Feb. 23 and the SGA general elections for March 10 and 11.

"It's going to be a rough month, but I think the election will go off without a hitch," Short said.

Short added he sees the position as a way to get involved with campus issues.

Thomas, who is also the chairman of the Student Fees Advisory Committee this year, said one of the commission's goals will be to increase voter turnout in the coming election.

"Students might not realize the SGA's role in getting things done on campus, but whether you're talking about local or national government, it's important to get involved," Thomas said.

The SGA Senate's next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the UC's Bayou City Room.
 

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