Executive cabinet claims unopposed victories in lackluster SGA race

Erin Flynn / Reporter

Elections are on the horizon for the Student Government Association, and for the first time in recent Elon history all of the candidates for executive office are running unopposed.

“Although it’s kind of abnormal for people to be running unopposed, the people who are running are extremely strong candidates. I’m not sure if the reason this happened is others saw who was running and knew that they would be the strongest candidate, but I am very happy with the people who are running for office,” said Jamie Lewis, current senior class treasurer.

Normally Elon has a large number of students running for offices on all levels. This year, the student body will have an easy task when it comes to ballot day; they will only have one choice to circle in most cases. It would seem candidates would be happy knowing that they are sure to win their position. Still, some candidates find it unsettling that there is no one to compete against.

“It is very disappointing.  For me personally, I truly wish that someone else had run against me because that’s what elections are for. Voters get the option to chose who they feel would be the best candidate,” said Cheryl Borden,who is running unopposed for executive secretary. ”There’s a certain excitement in competing with someone for a position and I think this is the first time that I have ever run unopposed for anything.”

“The purpose of the elections is for the students to have a choice and there is an obvious lack of choice in the upcoming elections.  I hope that more people will realize in future elections they have the opportunity to take an active role in some of the pivotal decisions regarding the university that have lasting effects on the students now and in the future,” said Bob Koons, running unopposed for executive treasurer.

Because the race is a little different this year, those running unopposed will not be required to campaign. However, Lewis says the candidates for executive offices will most likely campaign as a team to give the student body confidence that they will work well together.

“Hopefully people will take an interest in SGA and see how much of a role we play in the school. Perhaps next year more students will want to take on a leadership role,” said Jennifer Pautz, a candidate for humanities chair.  “For now, it is important that students vote in the upcoming elections because there are positions that are opposed and students need to voice their opinion.”

Elections will be held Feb. 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Moseley Center.