Seeking increased voter participation for next week's Associated Students of Madison elections, freshmen candidates campaigned Tuesday night at the Towers Residence Hall, 502 N. Frances St., before moving to Sellery Hall to reach more voters.
With 13 candidates vying for two student council seats, the online election, running Oct. 14-16, may be hotly contested. Of the 13 contestants, two, UW-Madison freshmen Justin Baker and Kelly Egan, participated in the Towers meeting. Another freshman candidate, Leslie Ann Majarucon, sent a representative on her behalf.
While encouraging voter participation, the contestants discussed campus issues such as book rental policy and segregated fees.
\I spent almost $350 on books this year and I think that is ridiculous,"" Egan said.
She cited other state universities such as UW-Eau Claire, where students rent rather than purchase text books, as examples.
Baker stressed his support of student organizations at UW-Madison.
""Student organizations are the heart of our culture,"" Baker said. ""It is important to preserve that culture.""
Student Elections Chair and UW-Madison junior Marissa Courey stressed the importance of voter participation for elections.
""I think the campus as a whole benefits from higher participation,"" she said.
Since only freshmen are eligible to vote for freshman seats, Courey said ASM representatives have worked in dorms to increase publicity and said she believes online voting will help participation.
In addition to the student council seats, a Student Services Finance Committee seat, a special student seat and a non-letters-and-science graduate student seat will be filled.
ASM represents UW-Madison's student body and cover issues ranging from campus diversity to the bus pass program. The organization is responsible for establishing a 24-hour library space and publishing professor evaluation forms.
Voting for ASM representatives starts next week at http://www.vote.
asm.wisc.edu.
