Today you are being asked to participate in a campuswide special election. This election has been organized to allow you to vote on changes to the ASUO Constitution that cannot wait until the general elections held later in the year. In the election today, you will be casting your ballot to ensure that our governing process will allow for students’ interests to be prioritized. The following ballot measures will affect the ASUO incidental fee allocation process and the timing of the general elections, and I strongly encourage you to vote yes on all four ballot measures.
Ballot Measure 1:
This ballot measure is asking for an exception to the limit on the percentage of increase that ASUO programs will receive in the allocation process this year. This is an important measure, as it will allow for the Programs Finance Committee to ensure that there is funding for equipment at the Recreational Center which has been supported by student fees in the past. It also will allow for the growth and development of more than 140 ASUO programs.
This ballot measure will also give students an opportunity to look at the stipends that students receive and to evaluate if there is a fair level of pay for student workers. This is a one-time allowance.
Ballot Measure 2:
This ballot measure is also asking for an exception to the limit on the percentage of increase for the Athletic Department Finance Committee. This committee works to secure the football and basketball tickets that students receive. In the past, the preseason games have been paid for out of the ASUO Student Senate budget; however, this year, there are not sufficient funds, and the ticket costs have increased.
Voting yes on this measure will allow the ADFC budget to grow so that we can guarantee that students will have tickets at the preseason football games. This is a one-time allowance.
Ballot Measure 3:
This ballot measure is asking that the usual 7 percent increase for the EMU budget not include the ASUO or EMU building reserves. This measure will allow for necessary improvements to the EMU building, including a septic problem and a leaky roof, but will not limit the amount of growth that EMU programs, such as Club Sports and the Craft Center. This is a one-time allowance.
Ballot Measure 4:
This ballot measure will extend the timeline for holding student elections. As we do not have the referendum process, it is no longer necessary to have elections during only winter term.
This measure will allow the ASUO elections coordinator to use discretion in setting the timeline for general elections, allowing for more preparation, greater voter turnout and increased
student participation.