Election season is here for the Associated Students of Washington State University. Every spring semester, ASWSU holds student elections for all contested executive and legislative branch positions. Cougs have two days to cast their votes for who they believe will best represent the school this year: March 10 and 11.
Every student currently enrolled at WSU Pullman is eligible to vote in the election.
ASWSU representatives will hold in-person voting in the Compton Union Building both days, offering free Italian sodas and other treats to voters.
Students can also cast their ballots by logging on to the WSU election website using their student email and credentials once voting opens. Ballots can be accessed from a computer or mobile device, allowing students to vote from anywhere.
Voters will find the first contested presidential race in three years on their ballots this year. The ASWSU president serves as the chief representative of the student body and leads the executive branch of student government.
On one side of the ticket is current ASWSU Vice President Grace Carpenter. Carpenter is a junior business marketing major from Spokane, Washington, with experience as a class delegate and all-campus senator. Her running mate for vice president is Reed Scott.
On the other side is ASWSU Director of Legislative Affairs Collin Bannister. Bannister is a Pullman native with extensive student government experience, including working as a WSU student ambassador and serving as the current president of the Washington Student Association. Running alongside Bannister is his vice presidential candidate, Emily Bell.
This year’s ballot will also include seats in the ASWSU Senate. Senators represent different academic colleges and student communities across campus. They help pass legislation, allocate funding for student initiatives and advocate for issues affecting students.
Candidates are running for several ASWSU Senate positions representing different colleges and at-large seats across campus. At-large candidates include Tayvian Cierra Gray Galiza, Abdelrahman Abdelrazek (Bodi), Sophia Nicole Abut, Grace Kouassi, Geno Catania, Tiara Vasquez, Quentin Atkinson and Malak Bensaud.
Candidates hoping to represent the College of Arts and Sciences include Tucker Senter, Alex Wolfe, Addison Thomas, Adriana Solano, Erin Kang and Karely Felix Gutierrez.
“The university is facing major budget cuts that will affect what programs we have, and resource allocations for those that remain,” Senter said. “Students must have a voice in those conversations. Especially in the College of Arts and Sciences, where nearly all WSU students will take a class held under its banner.”
Erin Kang said she believes diverse voices should be better reflected in campus decisions.
“I am running for College of Arts and Sciences Senator because CAS students deserve leadership that is visible, responsive, and action-oriented,” Kang said. “As one of the most diverse and academically dynamic colleges at WSU, CAS represents a wide range of student experiences, and I believe those voices should be clearly reflected in campus decisions.”
Glaiza Mae Buenaflor and Eva Munder are running to represent the College of Veterinary Medicine.
“If elected, I would love to explore ways to improve STEM education, especially within the chemistry department, so more students can feel confident in these courses through stronger academic support, better resources, and ensuring student concerns are heard,” Munder said.
Moses Henning is running for a seat representing the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. Candidates running to represent the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture include Ginikachkuyy Rex-Elem Sally, Ivy Ashley Galhoni, Saeed Hussein and Mehtabel Melcy Katana.
Although voter turnout has dropped in recent years, ASWSU representatives are hoping the contested tickets will bring a wave of new voters to the polls.
Former College of Arts and Sciences senator Parker Fouts said in an ASWSU Senate social media post that “working collaboratively on legislation with other senators in order to better the overall Wazzu community is something I will never forget. There are not many opportunities to serve the entire community that we are all a part of, and I am extremely grateful for my time on the senate.”
A general debate will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in the CUB Auditorium for all contested positions.
ASWSU encouraged students to attend on its website, stating, “The ASWSU General Debate is an opportunity for the candidates to address the issues and needs of the entire WSU student community. All WSU students are welcome to attend.”
