There may not be a feverish atmosphere on the streets of campus yet, but the student election season is well under way. Candidate signs are going up and coming down. More signs are being posted. Meetings with student groups, back-room lobbying and hallway meetings are taking place. This year’s general election takes place Mar. 5-8, but the primary is just around the corner.
Voting in the primary begins Monday (yes, in just a few days) and is available via Duck Web 24 hours a day through March 1.
In the interest of intelligent debate (well, at least debate) and a thorough examination of the issues and candidates, the ASUO, in conjunction with the Emerald, is presenting a debate Thursday with all six of the presidential candidates. Currently confirmed to moderate the debate are: Jeremy Lang, student activities editor for the Emerald and Michael J. Kleckner, editorial page editor for the Emerald.
The debate will center on specific issues of concern to the student body, as well as focused platform questions based on the candidates’ Q & As, which are currently appearing in the Emerald each day. Following the structured debate, there will be an open forum where students are invited to ask questions of the candidates.
The Emerald is participating in the debate in hopes of raising student interest and increasing voter turnout. We believe an informed (and entertained) student body makes better voting decisions. Please come to Room 110 Law School from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday. Free alcohol will be provided! OK, there will actually be no alcohol allowed, but the candidates will be excited nonetheless. So listen to the debate, ask questions, have some fun, and remember to vote next week.