The Campus Student Election Commission, administrator of student elections, announced students can vote in the spring 2019 election on March 6 and 7.

LeeAndre Mahomes, vice chair of the CSEC, said in an email the CSEC is a group of faculty and graduate students who facilitate elections, oversee the elections within the organization and make sure elections are fair and performed according to University policy.

Mahomes said these RSOs are different because they have unique financial and social powers.

“The vice chancellor is certainly interested in making sure we have elections for these positions and wants to make sure it’s done in a way that allows students to be involved, but she doesn’t have any direct interaction with the election commission other than having staff that report up to her that manage that process on her behalf,” said James Hintz, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs.

In order to be on the CSEC, one has to be appointed for the position on the board.

The available roles include the Illinois Student Government president and vice president, Illinois Student Government senator, 50 student representatives to the University senate, eight positions on the Student Organization Resource Fee Board and student trustee to the Board of Trustees of the University.

Organizations such as SORF, Student Senate and Illini Union Board deal with a variety of student-oriented issues. SORF allocates funds to registered student organizations for events, such as trips, food and workshops. The Student Senate acts as a mediator between students and administrators as they collaborate with University officials. The IUB can co-sponsor a registered student organization, which can increase funds for an event.

“I know that students find themselves particularly busy with classes and all their involvement across campus, but student involvement in the governance process is really important to have their voice,” Hintz said. “If they’re willing to take the time to either run for an office or vote for their peers in those offices, it’s an important function of the University. I really encourage students to pay attention and maybe get involved.”

Students can vote online on March 6 and March 7 for all the organizations on one ballot.

“As the CSEC vice chair, I believe these elections are so important because they shape the University. If students want a better experience, their participation is required,” Mahomes said. “As students, we cannot expect the administration to read our minds or know all of our needs. It’s our obligation to advocate for ourselves and the way to do that is by voting.”

[email protected]