Around this time last year, Sarah Bulman was feeling a little overwhelmed.
She had just been hired as chief returning officer two days before the nomination period opened for the St. Thomas University students’ union fall election.
Never having run an election before, Bulman was faced with the challenge of quickly learning the responsibilities of her new role, including a long list of electoral bylaws, in a very short period of time.
Adding to this was the fact that Bulman was new to St. Thomas, having transferred that fall from the University of Prince Edward Island.
“I was running elections and trying to find my way around campus, but I guess it was a great way of finding out which buildings are which.”
While Bulman’s first election was a trial by fire, she feels more prepared heading into the fall election of her second year as chief returning officer.
Voting finishes today and Bulman predicts a quiet election.
She cited the disappointing turnout for last week’s candidate speeches as an example of lack of interest from students.
The cause of that lack of interest may have to do with three positions having candidates running unopposed, leaving the election with little in the way of political excitement.
However, there is one exception.
The race for three off-campus representative spots looks to be heating up. There are seven candidates running, with three of them openly declaring an alliance.
“I think it’s really interesting in terms of the people who are running and how they’re running their campaigns too,” said Bulman about the off-campus battle.
“I think it adds a little excitement into it.”
Voting takes place today from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Students living in residence vote in George Martin Hall, while off-campus students must vote in James Dunn Hall.
Candidates
First Year Liaison – Justin Kyle Creamer
Off-campus representative (3) – Colin Belyea, Brian Hansen, Sarah Forbes, Megan Aiken, Chantal Brynne Plourde, Claire Bridgeo, Ella Henry
Student Senator – Kasey Forbes
1st year AQ Inc. Board of Directors Representative – No candidate
2nd year AQ Inc. Board of Directors Representative – No candidate
4th year AQ Inc. Board of Directors Representative – Dusty Green
For more information about these candidates, check out their profiles here.
