Student government’s fall senate elections begin today and there are 13 students running.

Elections will take place for the first time online. A link will be provided on the updated student government website, and from there, students will be using their E-numbers to vote.

“They’ll enter their E-numbers and click on who they want, then submit it,” said Christine Anderson, director of the elections commission. Links will be available on both the student government and student life websites.

The student senate currently has 18 open seats, but because some of the senate members are not choosing to return there will be five open seats.

Since there are only 13 candidates each student voter will only get 13 votes, Anderson said.

“If reelected, I also plan to take a better look at the parking situation on campus,” said James Patton, a junior political science major.

Patton said he hopes to sit down and take a look at the possibility of maybe changing the classifications of parking in certain areas on campus.

Patton has been on the student senate for a semester after he was appointed by current speaker Jason Sandidge and has been working on the Panther Express committee.

Henry has been on the student senate for two semesters and is running as a Party for United Leaders Supporting Excellence, or PULSE, candidate along with eight other students.

“PULSE is dedicated to listening to students and using what they hear to help serve the student body,” Henry said. Henry is also a co-chair with Tommy Nierman, who is also running, on student government’s leadership organization, Senators in Training.

Henry has been on senate for two semesters and is running as a Party for United Leaders Supporting Excellence (PULSE) candidate along with eight other students.

“PULSE is dedicated to listening to students and using what they hear to help serve the student body,” Henry said. Henry is also a co-chair with Tommy Nierman, who is also running, on student government’s leadership organization, Senators in Training.

Henry was appointed by Sandidge to work along side Nierman.

“I enjoy being on student government and will work my hardest to represent the students and achieve what they want,” Rebecca Johnson said.

Johnson, a sophomore social science major, has been on senate for one semester and is working with Henry and Mary Lane on “What Can You Do with Your Major.”

Kaylia Eskew, a freshman journalism major, plans on continuing her work with student government’s academic affairs committee.

Eskew has never been on senate, but is currently in the SIT program.

“I have learned a great deal through SIT and through observing the senate meetings and because of that I would be able to jump right in,” Eskew said.

Samples has been on senate one semester and is one of three senators was selected to attend the Conference of Student Government Associations (COSGA) at Texas A&M.

Mary Lane, a sophomore athletic training major, is currently the chair of student government’s internal affairs committee.

“I love Eastern and want everyone that walks through Charleston to love it just as much as me,” Lane said.

Alex Boyd, Nierman, John Griffin, Neil Majd, and Caitlin Nagle could not be reached for comments.

Nike Ogunbodede can be reached at 581-7942

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