Last week, ASUW passed a bill eliminating the primary elections.
ASUW modeled a primary election system similar to the federal government in the past. Usually applicants would campaign for two weeks and then face a primary election. Those who pass through the primary would then move on to the general election.
One benefit for having the primary election is more competitive tickets in office, like president and vice president, or the larger colleges positions that receive about 30 or more applicants. Narrowing the field is effective so that voters can have a better idea of who would best fit the position.
The reason for implementing this change has a lot to do with saving time. Having two rounds of elections extends the process beyond simply having general elections.
“The process is good as it is. It works, but I think students on campus don’t really care for a whole month of campaigning,” ASUW President Joel Defebaugh said.
Those who oppose this bill say that eliminating the primary election could allow candidates who are not as invested in the position to be put in office. Another issue with the new electoral policy is that it will no longer be a model of the federal government’s electoral policy, so people hoping to get involved in future government elections would not get that first-hand experience.
“We don’t have political parties so the need for a primary is kind of seen as irrelevant by some,” Defebaugh said as a defense to the new policy.
Applications to run for an ASUW position are online and will be open until March 6. Defebaugh has yet to sign the bill, but these changes will most likely be implemented for the 2013-14 ASUW elections.
