The Associated Students of Madison launched elections for the 16th session Monday, the first of three days in which students can cast online votes for 36 open student government positions.
Claire Lempke, a member of the ASM Press Office, said she expects relatively high voter turnout, a prediction due in part to continued debate over constitutional changes defeated by the student body in February.
""Just because of all of the talk with the constitution, I think people have more of a vested interest in this election,"" Lempke said. ""There's more of a campaign this year as far as who's running, and I think that's generating a lot of interest from larger groups on campus, rather than just from individuals.""
Fifteen students from For Accessibility, Community and Empowerment of Students (FACES), a slate that evolved from the Vote No Coalition, are on the ballot for ASM positions. The group's blog urged students to vote against the revised ASM constitution in February and now calls on students to vote FACES candidates into ASM seats.
FACES candidates include SSFC vice chair Kyle Szarzynski, who is vying for a second term.
In an April 7 blog post, the slate stressed the importance of improving the affordability and accessibility of higher education, promoting campus safety and diversity and improving student representation as its primary areas of focus.
The constitutional revisions opposed by FACES passed in the student council, but the general student body defeated the proposal Feb. 24.
Katherine Tondrowski, ASM Elections Commission chair, said she thought the clash over constitutional revisions inspired candidates and the general student body.
""Because of the constitutional vote there is a slate this spring election, which is something that hasn't happened in the past couple years,"" she said. ""Because of that they are very present on campus, so the other candidates who are not part of that slate are also kind of stepping up to get their name out there.""
Tondrowski said the constitution will likely remain a point of interest for the new session of student government, but said she doubts changes will be open to a campuswide vote.
ASM online voting will close Wednesday at 5 p.m.
