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Monday, May 20, 2024

Free food, Twitter and a poster with Biggie Smalls and Tupac made up the conversations at the Student Government Elections Commission meeting Monday night.

Only five out of the 19 complaints filed were heard, and the commission voted two of the complaints as violations.

The remaining complaints were dropped.

Unite Party President Joey Regalado filed a complaint against Orange and Blue Party candidate Graham Clark for wearing a Unite Party T-shirt and handing out fake "I Voted" stickers and Unite Party fliers.

The commission charged Clark with a violation. He was fined $10 and given a public reprimand.

Stephen Lawson, Elections Commission chairman, said the violation could be dropped because Clark did not receive the e-mail informing him about the meeting location and therefore was unable to defend himself.

Two Unite Party members filed complaints against the the Orange and Blue Party for passing out free pizza and cake.

Unite Party member Dan Thompson said handing out free food could influence the vote.

"You can't look at fliers or pencils in the same regard as an edible, tangible benefit."

Orange and Blue Party member Cain Norris said the offers of free food were not meant to get votes but to encourage students to talk to candidates.

The Commission heard two complaints against the Progress Party. One complaint centered around the party's Twitter account not being registered on time and the second involving a campaign poster.

The commission gave the Progress Party a public reprimand.

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Parties also debated hip-hop legends Biggie Smalls and Tupac, who appeared on a Progress Party poster with the slogan "East Coast, West Coast Progress Party brings em' all together."

Thompson said he saw the poster as a misrepresentation. Since both dead hip-hop legends were wearing Progress Party T-shirts, Thompson said it could imply a false show of support.

Progress Party President Dave Schneider said the slogan began as an inside joke between campaigners but also represents the Progress Party message of helping to end the division and strife of the Senate system.

By a unanimous vote, the election commission decided not to charge the Progress Party with the violation.

Four complaints were filed against former Orange and Blue Party Sen. Mark McShera for handing out fake "I Voted" stickers. However, since McShera was not present at Monday's meeting, the complaints were dropped.

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