Associated Students Inc. (ASI) officials have investigated allegations surrounding “dirty campaigning” during the recent ASI Elections.
The investigation began after complaints were filed against two still unnamed candidates campaigning for the ASI Board of Directors seats in the College of Liberal Arts. The allegations included campaigning while wearing an ASI shirt, soliciting door-to-door in resident halls and distributing candy during election days.
ASI Elections chair Kelsey Rice said she received complaints the Tuesday before the elections. In a prior article with the Mustang Daily, she said all candidates were notified about election policies prior to open campaigning, which began April 25.
College of Liberal Arts candidate for ASI Board of Directors, Lindsey Meredith sent an e-mail to the Mustang Daily on May 6 about the rules she said were being violated. She mentioned allegations the committee is now taking action against, as well as theft of campaign materials such as pickets and fliers.
“I think it’s important students know that their selected candidates have been given an unfair advantage since the beginning,” Meredith wrote in the e-mail.
Under the ASI Elections policy Article VII, students running for the board found guilty of irregularities can be charged up to $100 for each violation and can lose a $50 campaign deposit, which is usually given back once all campaign materials are turned in and a closing statement is given.
The committee met with individuals on both sides of the controversy to investigate the allegations and develop consensus among those involved. It unanimously decided to withhold the filing fee of the accused candidate because it said wearing an ASI-affiliated shirt while campaigning is a clear violation of the ASI Elections code and ASI personnel policy.
The other allegations were validated through written verification and are considered dropped as complaints.
“I think there are always issues with campaigning, but we do make a good effort to address all the rules,” Rice said. “I appreciate them bringing it to our attention and this is a lesson both for the campus and future ASI candidates.”