Candidates in the 2008 Associated Students of Madison election were released Tuesday by the Student Election Committee.

The announced candidates represent all UW-Madison schools and colleges with the exception of Life Sciences, Law and Special Students. The council is responsible for exercising legislative powers and duties stipulated by Wisconsin State Statute 36.09(5)—a law that ensures student voice in all matters concerning and effecting students at UW-Madison.

Each school or college is assigned a certain number of available seats reflective of the number of enrolled students. Students then vote on candidates from their own school or college, as well as candidates from the Student Segregated Fees Committee.

Oliver Delgado, a UW-Madison junior and senior class President candidate, believes the student voice is one of the most powerful tools on campus. “If everyone on campus joined just one organization or club, it would make a world of difference,” Delgado said.

“There are so many ways to get involved and make changes, and you don’t have to be in ASM to achieve it.”

Successful ASM campaigns include getting College Library to remain open 24 hours a day, publishing professor course evaluations, securing Madison Metro bus passes for all students, creating a full study day every semester before exams and Student Print, a non-profit printing and copy shop for students.

Elections are to begin April 1 at 8:00 a.m. and will end at 8:00 p.m. on April 3. Students can use online polls to vote during elections at www.asm.wisc.edu.

SEC will release preliminary results, pending complaints, within three school days of the last day of the election. Final results will be announced after the Student Judiciary has reached decisions on all complaints relating to candidates, individuals, SEC members and poll workers.

Also on the April ballot will be a referendum concerning the removal of the Chair position in the Finance Committee.