More than 40 students are vying for posts in Florida A&M's Royal Court and Student Senate this week.
Candidates and their teams began coating the campus with campaign materials on Wednesday. Elections are on Sept. 30.
D.A. Robin;
09/24/2014
@ The Set
Students look at campaign posters on the wall of Florida A&M's Student Union. Election season began Wednesday, and more than 40 men and women are vying for jobs in the Student Senate and Royal Court.
Electoral Commissioner Brandon Smith said the number of candidates hasn't varied much from past year's but that he expects a higher turnout of voters.
“My expectations get higher and higher. I project a larger outcome than last year fall elections,” said Smith.
Twenty-five freshmen and four graduate students are running for eight and three senate seats respectively. Three teams of freshmen are vying to be class president and vice president, while only one team of graduate students wants the equivalent job. Four women are running for freshman attendant and five for graduate attendant. Only one candidate in each of the those two categories can win.
Candidates will be available to meet students Friday at the Grand Ballroom at 7 p.m.
Brianna Harmon, a freshman attendant candidate from West Palm Beach, Fla., said she looked forward to sharing her plans for FAMU with students.
On campus, some students are looking forward to seeing a collegiate campaign up close.
“This is my first year here for elections and I’m excited to see who gets picked and how they follow through with their plan of action,” said Motayvea Naranjo, a pre-pharmacy student from Miami, Fla.
Students who vote can get a discount on hair care by showing their “I Voted” stickers at the campus salon – thanks to a partnership between the electoral commission and the salon, Rattler's Edge.
Already, campaign posters and fliers cover walls on various campus buildings. But the commission have limited how and where candidates can campaign. Smith stated that candidates and their team are prohibited from campaigning in the areas of Lee Hall, the Grand Ballroom and posting posters in the FAMU café area because of lack of space. Candidates are allowed to promote inside of the café.
Students will be able to vote on Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 8 a.m – 6p.m. in the Grand Ballroom lobby, Tucker Hall lobby, Dyson Pharmacy patio, School of Business and Industry Bull and Bear lounge, the new Pharmacy student lounge and the College of Law lobby.
Smith said that he expects great things from these potential leaders.
“Every year I look forward to the new ideas that they bring,” said Smith.