Campus hopefuls voter turnout numbers low

 
Student voter turnout at Fall Elections was as bleak as the gloomy weather, Monday as the nine seats to fill.
According to tallied votes only 744 votes were cast Monday among the freshman, sophomore and junior classes.
Every vacancy was filled except Men’s Federation president and Miss Freshman, which will have a run-off election Wednesday, September 19.
Run-offs will take place in the Cotillion Ballroom of Smith-Brown Memorial Union between 9a.m. and 5p.m.
With senatorial positions vacant in the sophomore and junior classes only 152 votes were tallied between both classes.
Junior class senators Isiah Edah-Dike and Hailey Hudson secured their positions with a combined total of 24 votes. Dike garnering 14 while Hudson earned 10.
Sophomore class senators Trevante Johnson, Erin Prestage and Ricky Robinson gained their seat with 29, 27 and 32 votes in their class respectively.
Olivia McCann won Freshman vice president outright with 142 votes to her competitor Kayla Peterson’s 88 votes.
Run-off for Miss Freshman candidates is between Mar’Lesha Hollins and JaMya Magee.
Hollins, a freshman, biology major from Jackson, La. hopes to utilize her campaign team of nine to get out the vote for the runoff and increase turnout.
“I feel I did good in the pre-voting. I think that I need to work just as hard to go out and get the votes again,” Hollins said.
JaMya Magee, a freshman nursing major from Bogalusa, La. anticipates to continue her Olympic themed campaign and wants to bring home the gold.
“I feel nervous but, am praying for the best and I hope for the best,” Magee said.
Hollins and Magee cited different reasons for why they deserve the position they are vying for.
“I truly have a plan for SU and my freshman class,” Hollins said.
Magee talked about her previous leadership experiences.
“I have been involved in stuff, Student council, NESBE, Beta, and as a cheerleader. As a leader I have a passion for others. I enjoy being able to help,” Magee said.
Joshua Freeman, a senior mass communication major from Baton Rouge joins Dmitrius McGruder, a senior, criminal justice  major from Atlanta as a contender for Men’s Federation vice president.
Freeman reacted, “Honestly I wish I would have found out that I won, and I must push harder.”
Freeman anticipates to shake more hands and get more face to face time with young men on campus.
“I felt pretty good.  I was only 1/8 percent from an outright win,” McGruder said.
McGruder plans to promote and get the name out and talk to more people.
Both hopefuls were asked about why they deserve the position.
“I’m really concerned about SU. All my life I grew up without a father figure. As a big brother I’ve got to be a role model to males on campus,” Freeman said.
McGruder said his success starting his freshman year was a qualifier for the position.
“My status working with SGA started my freshman year. I was in Men’s Fed since freshman year and was successful in continuing the Men’s Fed position,” McGruder said.