In the SGA elections held yesterday, more than 1,000 students came out to support their favorite candidates and vote for the 2005-06 president, vice president, comptroller and Mr. PV. Students where able to readily access their voting privileges till 5 p.m. All students were eligible to vote, with the ease of electronic voting on laptops provided by the John B. Coleman library. “I voted for a particular candidate because I wanted to see the person who was not just good for me, but has the student body’s best interest in mind in office,” said senior music major Kasai Porter.
SGA will hold a run off election between Oludayo Olusanyo who pulled in 482 (42.92%) of the presidential votes, and LaShawn Chambers-Reggans who had 244 (21.73%) votes. Bryan Waters and Terrance Livingston earned 200(17.81%) and 197 (17.55%) votes respectively.
Candidates must have a 51% margin or higher to be declared the official winner in an election. Students will have the opportunity to vote again in the run-off contest to select a president for the student government association next Tuesday, April 12.
In the vice-presidential contests, Courtney Smith beat out hopeful LaQuincy Arnold with 673 (62%) of the votes to 418 (39%).
With 585 (58%) votes, Ashley Pierson defeated opponent Tamia Parker who had 427 (43%) votes to win the comptroller position.
Elections chair Jawanna Green said, “I believe today was a very successful day, all candidates were great. They all did very well but there can only be one winner declared. The elections ran smoothly for the most part. There was a great turnout from previous years, over 1,000 students voted.”
Votes where also cast for Mr. PV 2005-06. Sophomore Corey Dargan won with 642 (63%) votes, against opponent Anthony Buggs who had 376 (37%).