Listen Here
By: Alexis Mitchell
The Student Government Association election ballot looked a little different this time around than in previous years. For any election ballot, it’s normal to see candidates running unopposed for an office or two. This year however, SGA’s ballot only had one person running for each office.
This might raise some eyebrows, but according to Forrest Miller, current SGA President, there is a lot more that comes with running for an SGA office than most people realize.
“These qualifications are a direct result of the amount of previous knowledge of the University, and the intricacies and inner workings of each specific area of SGA,” Miller said.
There is a total of seven executive positions. Eleven candidates were interested in running, but due to not meeting all the requirements, only six people could run for office.
“I believe we should instead recognize the candidates who did run,” Miller said.
Having served the last three years on SGA’s executive board, Miller has witnessed firsthand what it takes to be a member of SGA. From meeting at odd hours like 6 a.m., or midnight for meetings, to being responsible for anywhere from 175 to 200 student organizations on campus, holding an SGA office is a huge responsibility.
“Due to the high level of responsibility and time commitment required to serve, it is important students interested in running are fully prepared to take on the responsibility,” Miller said.
In other words, quality over quantity is key.
Findlay student Jake King thinks this could become an issue if it becomes repetitive for SGA’s ballot every year. However, he doesn’t feel that one time is going to matter when it comes to the bigger picture.
“I’m not sure if it’s an issue. I think it would be an issue if they didn’t have anyone to fill the positions,” King said. From my understanding, they had people to fill the positions, just no alternative person to select from.”
In the future, Miller would of course like to see more names on the ballot for SGA’s elections, but as long as the people filling the positions do their job, that’s what matters.
“I would like to congratulate the newly elected officers for next year and am very confident they will lead UF to a bright future,” Miller said. “It is my hope more students will consider running for SGA Senate positions.”
If you are interested in joining Student Government Association petitions are available at the Student Government Association office door located in the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU 11). SGA petitions are due Monday, April 3 by 5 p.m.
