The votes were tallied for the ASMSU representative elections Wednesday, and new faces dominate each assembly.
The undergraduate student government’s March 19-23 elections generated 26 new members and nine returning members from the Student and Academic assemblies. There were 909 votes tallied.
Last year, there were 14 new members and 11 returning members. The new assemblies’ terms begins April 8.
Twelve seats out of 26 are open on Academic Assembly and 11 seats out of 32 are open on Student Assembly. Students will be appointed later to fill the seats.
Among several write-in candidates, one Eli Broad College of Business student garnered more than 15 votes to become an eligible candidate. Your Mama, Mickey Mouse and George W. Bush were among many other pages of write-in candidates that did not receive 15 votes to become a candidate.
Computer science senior Shaun Phillips, who is a returning representative, received 127 votes for one of two College of Engineering seats on Academic Assembly - the most votes for any elected position in both assemblies.
Marketing sophomore Ashlee Nichols competed against seven other people to claim one of four Student Assembly business college seats. She campaigned within the greek system.
“I was really nervous because it was the college with the most competition,” said Nichols, who attained her seat with 55 votes. “I was in government since I was younger and there are different things I want to change with the school and ASMSU.”
Nichols said she wants to put a cap on textbook charges.
Adam Raezler is returning as an Academic Assembly James Madison College representative.
Raezler wants to implement a transportation tax so student bus fares will be paid for.
“I think I did a really good job representing Madison in the past year,” said Raezler, who got 60 votes. “I think my constituents were pleased with what I did over the year.”
Computer science sophomore David Nelson won one of three Student Assembly College of Engineering seats with 85 votes.
“I found out a lot of ASMSU seats were unoccupied because of lack of interest,” Nelson said. “I thought that the engineering college should have as many representatives as allowed so our voices could be heard.”
Joe Mignano, Student Assembly external vice chairperson, said the organization’s new members will create an exciting opportunity for the assemblies.
Mignano said it will be a good chance to understand why students voted against the organization’s $3 tax increase referendum.
“This will give us a chance to hear some fresh voices that weren’t heard in the past,” Mignano said.
