A.S. Spring Election Delayed Indefinitely: Election Interference Case Ongoing

Overview

• The Associated Students (A.S.) spring quarter general election at the University of California, Santa Barbara has been postponed indefinitely.
• Initial elections were set to begin on a Tuesday morning, but a case of electoral interference surfaced on April 19.
• The ballot includes candidates for student government, multiple fee initiatives, and reaffirmations for campus groups.

Events Leading to Delay

• Disagreements between the Senate and Elections Board over the spring election ballot led to a presidential veto on April 18.
• An ongoing Judicial Council case was instigated by the Attorney General against the Internal Vice President and legislative body.
• An injunction has been placed, preventing the Elections Board and candidates from moving forward.

Investigation Details

• A.S. Attorney General Eric Carlson, a fourth-year chemistry major, has filed a petition citing conspiracy to control the ballot.
• Allegations include senators convincing declared candidates to change their declaration or drop out.
• Carlson and others are seeking an investigation into the election ballot’s integrity.

Whistleblower and Responses

• Fourth-year economics and communication major and senator Taylor Iden was the whistleblower who reported misconduct.
• Iden provided evidence of egregious behavior, discrimination, harassment, and bullying within the Senate.
• Fourth-year art major and Internal Vice President Acar Pinto, a respondent in the case, did not provide comments.

Presidential Veto

• A.S. President Nayali Broadway vetoed the Senate's approval of the ballot, citing election interference and membership rights violations.
• Broadway emphasized the need to protect the democratic process and ensure fair elections.

Judicial Council Proceedings

• Judicial Council Chair, Krishna Thaker, initially scheduled the hearing but postponed due to a motion for continuance.
• An injunction was later issued, halting all election-related activities and candidate forums.

Elections Board Actions

• The Elections Board, led by Ruby Hewitt, is seeking alternative election options.
• Candidates have been instructed to remove campaign materials immediately.
• Discussions on ballot formatting and candidate listing are ongoing, particularly concerning write-in candidates.

Legal Mandates

• Despite current delays, the A.S. Legal Code mandates completion of elections by the fifth week of the spring quarter.
• The Judicial Council hearing is scheduled for an upcoming Friday.

Conclusion

• The ongoing case and investigation have severely impacted the election schedule, with no clear resolution yet.
• The situation remains dynamic, with further developments expected from the Judicial Council and Elections Board.