The Undergraduate Student Government fall election results are out. While the election turnout was lower than the spring elections, USG president Dwight Anderson said the number of voters was “pretty good” compared to past fall elections.

“Usually in the fall we have a lower turnout,” Anderson said. “We had about 600 people vote.”

Voter turnout compared to past elections

Anderson said percentage-wise, it was a good number of voters especially since seven positions were open, including an executive position, which is unusual for fall elections.

“The candidates did an excellent job campaigning,” he said.

“The turnout was a bit lower than last spring, but still saw an encouraging number of students that took the time to vote,” said Corey Dahl, USG vice president of public relations. Last spring 948 students voted in the elections, which was the highest voter turnout in recent years.

USG’s fall plans

Election winners were sworn into their positions this past weekend at the USG fall retreat.
Anderson said the “kids who were elected were very engaged at the retreat.” Anderson is “excited” about the semester.

At the retreat this weekend, USG came up with its fall initiatives. One initiative is to hold a town hall meeting. All students are invited to the Oct. 26 meeting in the John Roach Center auditorium, room 126.

This meeting will be followed by a student forum on Nov. 18.

USG holds public meetings at 7.m. Sundays in Koch Commons. Students are welcome to attend.

The election winners

Senior Sahr Brima won the executive vice president position.

Sophomore Samantha Barriga won the election and credentials committee chair position with a margin of 38.1 percent, beating out two other candidates.

Junior Sally Mahmoud won the student diversity relations chair position.

Cole Aden won freshman class president by 34.9 percent of the vote over five other candidates.

Jenna Johnson and Jet Lloyd won the freshman class senator positions.

Ryan Symanietz won the freshman residential senator position.

New position open

USG does have one more open position. The previous commuter senator moved on campus and had to give up the position because it goes against the USG constitution.

Students who are interested in running for this position should contact Anderson, Dahl or the new elections and credentials chair Samantha Barriga. Candidates will be required fill out an application and be interviewed.

Theresa Malloy can be reached at mall5754@stthomas.edu.