As of Monday only one person qualified to run for a position in the first student government being formed at ASU East.
Student candidates are needed for the offices of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and nine senators, three from each of the campus' colleges.
Mike Mader, student activities director, is acting as an adviser in the early phase of the formation of East's new government.
Mader said several students had applied to run, but so far only one has been eligible - Jeremy Art, who is running for president.
"It's my hope that it is a competition, but I don't know what to expect," Mader said.
Mader said he has promoted the elections by visiting classrooms and answering questions for interested students.
Students who wish to run must be enrolled in at least six credit hours at an east campus college, but unlike at the main campus, signatures are not required to be a candidate.
Missy Debnar, a graduate student in the applied biology program, is on the elections committee and works with Mader to verify whether students are qualified.
"It's great for the school and it's even better when people get involved," Debnar said.
Posters have been put up around campus advertising the elections and encouraging students to participate in the new government.
Nick Rome, an applied biological sciences sophomore and a volunteer on the Student Elections Committee, said the campus needs all ASU East students to vote. "It would make it a more meaningful outcome," he added.
Art, a professional golf management junior, said he would spend the next week and a half just getting the word out to students about the open offices.
"Then I'll spend the rest of the time worrying about my own campaign," he added. "Decisions are made by those who show up."
The elections will be held on March 9th and 10th. Students will be able to vote in the Computing Commons electronically or may have the option to vote remotely, Mader said.
"Many compelling issues face students at East and the events happening at West and Main campus are impacting them," Mader said. "It is important for students at East to have their voice heard in the context of a greater campus."
For more information on student government, qualifications, applications, how to run and the constitution, visit www.east.asu.edu/sga or contact Mike Mader in the Student Union.
Reach the reporter at erika.camardella@asu.edu.
