Snow Yanked From Ballot At Last Minute
Nick Woltman
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: News
Originally Created: 3/5/08 at 1:03 AM CST
Last Updated: 3/5/08 at 10:08 AM CST
Originally Created: 3/5/08 at 1:03 AM CST
Last Updated: 3/5/08 at 10:08 AM CST
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Although he disagrees with the committee's decision, Snow said he will not appeal their ruling.
SGA Advisor Genevieve Evans Taylor e-mailed Snow and his running mate, senior Cody Banta, on Monday morning to inform them that Banta did not meet the GPA eligibility requirements.
Snow felt the matter was handled poorly by Evans Taylor and the steering committee.
"The timing of this was ridiculous," Snow said. "I found out yesterday at 1 p.m. that I couldn't run."
Snow added that earlier that same day, Evans Taylor told him he would be able to remain in the race.
Snow provided The Volante with another e-mail he received from Evans Taylor in which she apologized for the mistake.
"I deeply regret stating that you could run by yourself this morning, as this is incorrect according to SGA guidelines," Evans Taylor wrote.
Snow said that although he was disappointed by his running mate's ineligibility, he didn't bear him any ill will.
"I'm sorry for everything that happened to Banta. Everybody's going to know things he didn't want them to know," Snow said.
He added that he didn't believe that a candidate should be penalized because his or her running mate does not meet eligibility requirements.
Snow also made it clear that he will not seek involvement in any other campus organizations as a result of his experiences.
The steering committee deliberated for nearly an hour and a half before arriving at its final decision.
In a written statement provided to The Volante, the committee said that a detailed announcement explaining their ruling will be posted on the SGA Web site within 48 hours.
SGA senator Isaiah Howard did not feel that the committee was representative of the SGA as a whole.
"I don't like how the Election Steering Committee consists of senators who will not be running next year and probably don't care what happens to SGA in the future," Howard said.
The elections are scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 25
Darnell Pitts
posted 3/05/08 @ 2:08 AM CST
I am truly disappointed with this whole process and with the SGA and with some of the other parties involved. USD has been known for its problems with SGA but enough is enough! Someone should have caught his ineligibility as soon as he signed up, which means someone is not doing their job. (Continued…)
Maren Colon
posted 3/05/08 @ 2:16 AM CST
I feel horrible for Marque and Cody. I think Marque and Cody would have done a great job in representing students and now students will never know.
The one true downfall to all of this is that the students do not get a vote or say in this matter. (Continued…)
Not worth whining over
posted 3/05/08 @ 12:47 PM CST
As sad as this may be, it is Banta's responsibility to know his gpa upon entering the election cycle. Someone not knowing their gpa is a totally different and pathetic issue. (Continued…)
Senator Howard
posted 3/05/08 @ 1:14 PM CST
This whole process and timing is outrageous. As a candidate up for reelection I question the SGA's Integrity with only one candidate running for president. (Continued…)
Senator Laidlaw
posted 3/05/08 @ 1:25 PM CST
I agree with Senator Howard. This election is a sham and makes USD look like a backward university that falls behind in political behavior. The Election Steering Committee should have checked the candidates grades and eligibility far earlier than they did. (Continued…)
Amber Skoglund
posted 3/05/08 @ 1:54 PM CST
To those indignant senators, the election steering committee was following the constitution and by-laws of the organization that you are claiming to represent! The president and vice president are elected as a group ticket. (Continued…)
Patrick McCann
posted 3/05/08 @ 2:26 PM CST
In my four years at the University of South Dakota, I have seen two presidents win unopposed and two impeached. Maybe it is time for the students of USD to listen to Richard Prior's "Monty Brewster" and vote "None of the Above. (Continued…)
Welcome to Cuba--North Campus
posted 3/05/08 @ 2:42 PM CST
Usd students may cast their votes in the next two days for one candidate in the SGA elections. Why? Because the SGA, decided that it would be better policy to prohibit Snow to run at all than allow him to change running mates. (Continued…)
Jordan Feist
posted 3/05/08 @ 3:12 PM CST
I just sent an email to all of SGA announcing my resignation as a senator. I will no longer be part of an organization that does not allow the students (who it is suppose to represent) choose it's leadership. (Continued…)
Another Act Of Unfairness?
posted 3/05/08 @ 3:20 PM CST
Here's some breaking news for you... surprise, surprise... USD students not given a chance to speak out against this unfair election, that has pretty much already been decided by those who claim "to support the student body. (Continued…)
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