All four of the ballot measures in this week’s ASUO special election passed Tuesday after votes were tallied at 5 p.m. and posted shortly thereafter.
Despite increased voter turnout — a total of 468 students voted in the election compared with 422 in the 2001 special election — increased enrollment prevented the participation percentage from rising. Less than 3 percent of students enrolled at the University cast a vote.
But that didn’t bring down the celebrating ASUO members.
“I’m pleased we had even a slightly larger turnout,” ASUO Elections Coordinator Andrea Hall said as ASUO President Rachel Pilliod and others squealed and shouted with excitement once the results were posted at 5:05 p.m. outside the office.
Each of the ballot measures will yield a change in the ASUO Constitution, including Ballot Measure 6.15.1, which funds all ASUO and EMU building and equipment reserves for multiple student programs.
Ballot Measure 6.15.2 gives the Athletic Department Finance Committee the one-time exemption it needs to prevent the Athletic Department from charging students up to $50 per ticket for home games held before the
academic year.
“I only miss games if I have to,” said junior Sachiko Shimizu, an academic coach for student athletes and one of many football fans who would have frowned at the idea of paying regular admission for the two games.
“The fans are a big part of the athletic program,” she said.
Considering the number of students who wait in line every season to get free tickets, Shimizu said the ASUO could have done a better job getting the word out about the potential effects of a successful special election.
“A key factor that influenced the level of publicized information about the election was the time restraint,” Hall said.
Considering the pressing Nov. 1 submission deadline for this year’s special election results, Hall said it was a trying task to rally student participation.
Ballot Measure 6.16 will modify the budget for ASUO and EMU facility reserve funds, which would be used to repair any catastrophic damages to the building. Pilliod said such funds also allow for needed repairs, such as the building’s septic problems and ceiling leaks, which slowly increase in severity over time.
Ballot Measure 12.2 will allow the ASUO election to be held between Feb. 1 and April 30 of each year.
As the hoots and hollers of the rejoicing ASUO staff began to die down about 5:30 p.m., Pilliod sighed with a smile and glanced over the list of people to call with the results.
“This is all very good news,” she said.