SGA discussed rule changes for the upcoming elections, and how the new judicial branch, which was implemented last semester, will play a part in a special session held on Wednesday.
SGA changed part of its election code in response to candidates violating election code the night before the last elections were over in Spring 2010.
“The reason for the changes is that we feel the process is not clear and worded weird,” SGA Public Relations Director Mila Clarke said. “Because of this, individuals are able to find loopholes in the election process.”
Under the old rules, candidates were prohibited from canvassing door-to-door and sending mass e-mails to University of Houston students.
Candidates, however, opted to employ such tactics because the punishment for the infractions was minimal.
The election code that will implement the stricter policy on infractions has been revised.
The new rules indicate that when infractions occur during the election process, complaints can be filed with the election commission.
Once a complaint has been filed, the candidate has 24 hours to file an appeal. If the appeal is successful, it will then be taken up by the judicial branch, which is headed by Chief Justice Taylor Kilroy.
“The Judicial Branch serves as a watch dog,” Kilroy said. “It does not handle student cases and is different from the hearing board.
“We’re here to make sure elections run smoothly and that no one abuses power,” Kilroy said.
SGA officers unanimously approved Terry Chung for the position of assistant election commissioner.
In his new capacity with the SGA, Chung will assist in the oversight of upcoming SGA elections.
He was nominated after applying for the position interviewing with President Prince Wilson.
The SGA’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 9 in the University Center Cougar Den.
