Show 1 Eib y 7 ff t jJ hI JJ N n I. i 71 r T Mi r. r d 1 r i I i- i I if Ed i m i r C R 0 r lZ On v iMn L 7 J. J I t J I. w f 00 t. t v ir t f it r L J. J i J f I 11 r i. i J. i u iM I Lengthen campaign time I for spring elections elections' With upcoming elections we take time to reflect on the actual actual actual ac ac- ac- ac elections candidates and their qualifications Some problems with the student elections interfere with the democratic process First of all the candidates running running running run run- ning usually join a party Students then vote for one of the two parties and all the candidates in each party are elected With the party system candidates less qualified for their position could be elected to office What qualifications are needed for example to run for financial vice-president vice According to the Constitution a candidate must currently be enrolled in 12 credit hours he or she must have a cumulative of 25 he or she must be enrolled in or have taken r aE 4 na y I T i j d 1 Accounting Is this person qualified to handle of students student's money Because of the amount of candidate coverage students students students stu stu- stu- stu dents often overlook the necessary but unspoken qualifications of the candidates honesty competency and responsibility There is not enough candidate coverage to determine determine determine deter deter- mine an individuals individual's qualifications This year we would like the candidates candidates candidates can can- to be judged by their character charac charac- ter not just their charisma It is virtually impossible to get to know someone through just a few debates There are several ways could improve its elections First of all since there is only a two week week- time period for elections we would like to suggest that clubs and organizations sponsor debates and forums If these were held every day at 1200 students could drop by on a it aday aday day that was convenient for them and become better informed about the can candidates These debates would allow various student org organizations to direct questions concerning issues to the candidates We would also like to encourage candidates to run independently This is a great way for an individual to focus on his or her own qualifications qualifications and it is a more objective approach ap ap- The Horizon believes since the elections are only two weeks long there is little time for the average student to be informed and involved in the elections It is the students student's responsibility to find and support a aleader aleader aleader leader who will represent the students student's voice The clubs and organizations organizations organizations or or- should work together to educate the student population about the candidates Finally it will be the responsibility responsibility responsibility of the Horizon to cover the spring elections thoroughly to educate educate educate edu edu- cate the student body about each I candidate 4 I II I I j |