Renner defends complaint
Letter to the Editor
I am writing to give a clear and accurate account of the events which led to the complaint filed concerning the election on Friday, Feb. 4. On Sunday, Feb. 6, I learned that the decision to hold a third election on Friday was made improperly.
I learned that this decision was initially suggested by Georgeanna Rosenbush, director of Student Activities. Those present at the time went along with the decision and assumed that she was familiar with and following election bylaws. I did not question this decision at the time because, in the midst of a busy campaign, I was a candidate and not the Elections Commissioner.
When I learned the circumstances of the decision on Sunday, I consulted the election bylaws, which clearly state that decisions concerning elections fall under the jurisdiction of the Elections Committee, which is composed of two representatives from each residence hall, as well as an off-campus representative, who were approved by the Board of Governance in the fall.
Unfortunately, the Elections Committee and the bylaws were NOT consulted Wednesday night concerning the decision to hold another election.
The bylaws also state that off-campus students must vote in a separate location other than the dining hall. The election on Friday did not include a separate location, which led to much confusion and irritation for off-campus students who had been able to vote in the off-campus lounge in both Monday's and Wednesday's election. Although off-campus students could vote in the dining hall on Friday, the dining hall is not normally used by off-campus students and is out of their way.
Additionally, following precedents set on Monday and Wednesday, many off-campus students went to vote in the off-campus lounge where they found no voting booths and no sign directing them to the dining hall. Many off-campus students were subsequently unaware of the existence of a third election.
Based on the fact that off-campus students were not given the opportunity to vote in the off-campus lounge, it is impossible to state that the student body's voice was heard in Friday's election, because obviously the student body includes both on- and off-campus students. Therefore, the student body which the candidates all sought to represent was NOT represented by the election Friday.
I decided to file a complaint concerning both the neglect of the authority of the Elections Committee and the absence of off-campus voting. The election bylaws were clearly and irrefutably violated and largely ignored following Wednesday night's election. In light of these violations, I felt compelled to submit a complaint to the Interim Elections Commissioner, Bridget Heffernan.
As of today, I return to my office as Elections Commissioner for the current school year.
As Elections Commissioner, I am very conscious of the bylaws, but the other candidates should have been as well. Unfortunately, we all assumed that the bylaws were being followed correctly on Wednesday. When I became aware of the fact that Ms. Rosenbush and Miss Heffernan suggested the third election without the consultation of the Elections Committee as dictated by the bylaws, I wrote and filed the complaint in a timely manner as also prescribed by the bylaws.
Following my complaint, the Elections Committee convened and realized the unfortunate yet obvious violation surrounding the third election. As within its jurisdiction, based on the bylaws, the Elections Committee declared the third election null due to the improper procedures followed.
Although the bylaws do not specifically mention the actions required in the event of a tie, the bylaws do state that such decisions are the responsibility of the Elections Committee, NOT the director of Student Activities nor the Elections Commissioner.
As a member of the Saint Mary's student body, I felt compelled to file the complaint in order to shed light on the faulty procedures in Friday's election.
If the election on Friday had been properly executed and the ENTIRE student body had had the opportunity to voice its opinion, I would accept the results. However, the reality of the situation reveals the unacceptable nature of the third election. Michelle and I acted in the best interest of the student body as legislated by the election bylaws. It would have been unethical for any of us aware of the violations to remain silent. Therefore, we returned to the authority of the Elections Committee, and the Elections Committee is subsequently responsible for determining the final outcome.
Also, the Elections Appeals Board has supported the decision of the Elections Committee to nullify Friday's election and to determine me and Michelle Nagle the student body president- and vice president-elect.
We regret the inconvenience of Friday's election and assure you that we filed the complaint Sunday — immediately following our knowledge of the grievous violations in connection with it. Throughout the campaigning process, Michelle and I pledged our dedication to serving the needs of the student body, and we want to reiterate our love of Saint Mary's and our great enthusiasm in serving as your student body president and vice president. Emily Koelsch and Rachele Rodarte are great assets to student government and deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to Saint Mary's.
In closing, we wish to extend an invitation to the student body to work with us as we prepare to serve you. We are always open to your concerns and needs and look forward to a successful and fun year.
Crissie Renner
Student Body President-Elect
Saint Mary's College
February 8, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Wednesday, February 9, 2000
