Associated Student Government President Ben Linzey signed four executive orders today to correct an inconsistency in the election rules that led to allegations that presidential and vice-presidential candidates Beau Flores and Jeff Vela began campaigning too early.
After the article “Flores and Vela announce candidacy early, possibly violating election rules” was published by The Criterion last night, the ASG election committee reviewed the documents. According to their press release, there were inconsistencies concerning when candidates may start campaigning.
The two possible start dates listed in the election rules were: 5 p.m. on the day intent to run forms are due and two weeks before the election week, which begins April 11. Linzey’s executive orders corrected the date to the former, making campaigning available beginning March 7.
Linzey stated that the executive orders corrected mistakes and inconsistencies overlooked by previous administrations, and were signed today to fix the mistake in a timely manner. He apologized for the oversight that resulted in such confusion.
No investigation into the matter will take place, as ASG considers this oversight on the part of previous administrations, and no fault of Flores and Vela.
Flores and Vela could not be reached for comment regarding the situation.
Under the new election rules, campaigning can now begin and will continue until elections are held on April 11-13.
