Opinion > October 9, 2008

By J.K. Curry |

I write with respect to the decision of the Student Life Committee on April 23, 2008, in the matter of Sarah Jane Walker’s election disqualification from last year’s election for Student Government president.

The Student Life Committee received a petition from Walker to hear a complaint against the Wake Forest Student Government Elections Committee. Of particular concern was the characterization of Walker as having committed multiple campaign violations. On April 21, the Student Life Committee held a hearing with Walker and representatives of the Elections Committee.

Based on a single technical violation of the campaign regulations, the Student Life Committee upholds the decision of the Elections Committee to disqualify Walker. However, we also note violations by the Elections Committee of its own guidelines. Walker should have been informed of the evidence of each campaign violation considered by the Elections Committee and given the opportunity to defend her actions before any decisions about disqualification were made and announced.

We ask Student Government to carefully reexamine its election rules and procedures, with particular attention to reducing ambiguity about the process for disqualifying a candidate.

We suggest that a procedure for amending the campaign regulations be established, and that to avoid the appearance of impropriety, no rule changes should be allowed during the election period.