Voting for Students’ Association executive positions will begin Wednesday.
Candidates for president are Dylan Benac, junior political science major from Boerne; Bo Braddock, junior biology major from Deer Park; and Aaron Johnson, senior art and psychology major from Va.
Candidates for vice president are Rafael Rosales, sophomore management major from La Libertad, El Salvador; Rodney Johnson, sophomore management major from Odessa; and Anna Fullerton, junior psychology major from Garland.
Candidates for treasurer are Karston Goodman, senior finance major from Abilene; JP Ralston, junior finance major from Plano; and Tyler Eidson, sophomore management major from College Station.
The positions of president, vice president and treasurer and currently occupied by Rebecca Dial, Benac and Joseph Austin, respectively. Dial and Austin will graduate in May.
Austin, accounting and pre-law major from Houston, said the election season has been great.
“It’s a little tricky organizing the debate forum and Chapel speeches just because there are nine candidates,” he said. “Having increased candidates means there’s more candidates out there talking to the student body, so we do expect to see an increased voter turnout.”
Austin said the competition for each position expands the horizons for candidates and the student body.
“I think people are seeing the work that’s been done in SA in the past and are wanting to be part of that,” Austin said. “I think it’s more beneficial having more candidates running for a race.”
Austin, along with Nick Tatum, has served as co-chair for this year’s election. Austin was not a member of SA before becoming executive treasurer last semester. He said he went all out for his one year in office.
“I really have enjoyed my time in SA. I’ve enjoyed serving the students,” Austin said. “When you invest yourself like this position calls for, you don’t want to walk away from it.”
Dial, political science and finance major from Lexington, SC, has been a member of SA for the past four years. She said she finds it tough to leave SA behind.
“I’m excited to see what we can do in the future, but it is hard to let go since there are so many projects that I’m working on or that will be implemented next year that I won’t even get to see,” Dial said. “But at the same time, that really sets up the next officers well.”
Dial said she believes her job is about helping students.
“Our motivation isn’t for the resume or for the salary,” Dial said. “We care about the students so deeply and that’s what really allows you to be able to do this job to your fullest potential.”
Campaigning began earlier this month, after candidates gathered petitions in late March. Candidates also delivered speeches Tuesday evening during a Chapel forum, as well as Wednesday during Chapel. Voting will take place in the Campus Center Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 to 5 pm. A run-off election, if necessary, will occur Friday.
