IEC, both candidates disappointed with election
Fewer than 5 percent of students cast ballots
By Isral DeBruin
E-mail
Print- Share on Facebook
-
Seed Newsvine
- Text size:
In the immediate wake of last week’s largely controversial student election, those prominently involved with the polling process said they agree the rules governing Student Association (SA) elections are in need of serious revision.
“The process is definitely flawed,” said president elect Tyler Draheim, member of the SUFC party. “I want the bylaws changed. Everybody pretty much says this can never happen again like this,” he added later.
Scott Dettman, presidential candidate for ASAP, went even further, recommending the current set of rules be scrapped altogether.
“It’s a system that doesn’t do anyone any good,” Dettman said. “We have been talking about having a bylaw bonfire.”
Independent Elections Commissioner Dan Bahr said despite polls running smoothly, he wasn’t pleased with the election as a whole. Bahr cited what he called “voter intimidation” by campus media sources covering the election, a dirty campaign run by both participating parties and an extremely low voter turnout of less than five percent as sources for his dissatisfaction. The winning party, SUFC, will need to reform the bylaws to avoid such issues in the future, Bahr said.
“I was disappointed, from both sides, with some of the conduct that went on,” Bahr said of campaigning leading up to election day. “I’ll be recommending some reforms [for the bylaws].”
A one party election
In the weeks leading up to the election, numerous complaints were filed by and against both the ASAP and SUFC parties for various election violations.
Bahr said he was surprised by the amount of conflict between the two parties, which he described as having two very different views for the university.
“There was a real clash,” Bahr said. “I really didn’t see it coming. I was shocked.”
After a series of controversial decisions made by Bahr, ASAP accrued 600 violation points and was stricken from the ballot. Any party with more than 500 points is to be removed, according to election bylaws. SUFC then ran unopposed on the ballot.
Dettman said ASAP recognized Bahr as an obstacle from the time he was appointed IEC because Bahr is a former member of SUFC.
After having all 26 of its candidates removed from the ballot, ASAP began a write-in campaign, which Dettman described as an “attempt to do the impossible.” Because they were no longer technically a party, ASAP was allowed to continue campaigning during the election, something the bylaws prevented SUFC from doing. Further generating controversy, ASAP gave voters lists of their candidates. Draheim, Dettman and Bahr identified this as a clear advantage for ASAP. ASAP went on to lose by 115 votes.
Controversy continues
Due to campaign controversy, ASAP has chosen to appeal a number of Bahr’s decisions to both the student court and the university. Draheim said ASAP’s appeals should be looked at carefully, but said he does not think the election should be nullified and redone.
According to Draheim and Bahr, all the bylaws were followed as they were written, so re-doing the election would render it illegitimate. Dettman said it’s all about fairness.
“The one thing we don’t want to come across as is sore losers, but we don’t feel like we lost, we feel it was stolen,” Dettman said.
It is yet to be seen if ASAP’s claims will change the current election results. According to Dettman, ASAP won’t stop until they have either found success or exhausted their options.
“Whether we win this at the ballot box or in the courtroom, we are going to win this,” Dettman said.
Point system unpopular
Draheim, Dettman and Bahr all said they disliked the current points system, which allows parties and candidates to be assigned points for breaking bylaws. Draheim said this could be changed for next year.
Bahr said despite personally disagreeing with the penalty rules, the points system is what the current bylaws prescribe, so it must be followed.
“I’m bound by the governing documents. Really, it’s not about my opinion, it’s not about me,” Bahr said. “The system is in place, so I can’t ignore it. People come to me with complaints, so I’ve got to give them due process.”
Dettman said the current system’s allows for the IEC to assess up to 250 points for anything he deems inappropriate. This, Dettman said, constitutes a constitutionally overbroad chilling effect. ASAP is in the process of appealing 350 points that were assigned under this category.
Commission a possible solution
The current elections system vests disciplinary power in one person, the Independent Elections Commissioner. Draheim said this allows too much possibility for unilateral decisions and suggested the role be split to form an Independent Elections Commission comprised of several people.
“We need to make it more of a commission in general,” Draheim said. “Putting it all on the head of one person puts that one person in a bad situation. It puts us all in a bad situation.”
Dettman and Bahr said they agreed that a group could work better than an individual.
Current election bylaws were approved by the SA senate at the beginning of the senate session last summer, according to Draheim. At this time, he said, it wasn’t apparent they’d be problematic.
“It we could have foreseen any of these problems we would have changed it in the senate, prior to. We didn’t,” Draheim said. “It’s impossible to know what kind of problems are going to come with [the election].”
Low voter turnout
A total of 1,187 votes were cast at four polling locations. An unverifiable amount of blank ballots were also cast by students who wanted to direct check-off funding to student organizations without participating in the SA election. This makes for a voter turnout of less than five percent of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s student body of roughly 29,000.
Draheim said he recognizes that because of the low turnout the argument could be made that the winner of the election does not actually represent the students, no matter who that winner is. Either way, he said, he plans to reach out to all students and members of ASAP to effect positive change.
Draheim said a cleaner campaign and voter incentives, such as a raffle, could increase turnout in future elections. Bahr said he agreed that a dirty campaign probably turned voters away and said online voting could also be a possible solution.
Draheim said he hopes to dramatically increase the number of ballots cast in next year’s election to 20 percent of the student body.
Despite all the controversy and a dismal turnout, Draheim said he’s excited to begin as president.
“When June 1st comes, I’m going to be in this office,” Draheim said. “I’m going to be sitting down with the university administration. I’m going to be sitting down with the other party. We’re going to start making the changes right away.”
First thing on the agenda, according to Draheim, will be the IEC bylaws.
> Comments
UWM Student on Apr 21, 2008 at 02:44 AM:
If Dan Bahr and Tyler Draheim thought the IEC Bylaws were crap, why didn't they change them in their previous two years in the Senate?
They act dumb, but they know they own and manipulate the process. Look at what the bylaws state about a recall election. That was changed by a lot of SUFC people to be what it is today.
Correction on Apr 21, 2008 at 07:10 AM:
They cannot appeal ANYTHING to the University. This is a STUDENT process and Isral, your ignorance of this entire process throughtout the last couple of months is evident in that simple sentence. You have no idea! Don't try to make friends with SUFC now. You have already burned your bridge and you have run your newspaper in to the ground. The future of your newspaper is definitely on shaky ground!
Re: Correction on Apr 21, 2008 at 07:55 AM:
Actually, they can appeal to the university. 36.09(5) does not give students exclusive power over elections, especially seeing the way this election was run.
As a student, I wish the university would step in.
Kyle Duerstein on Apr 21, 2008 at 08:45 AM:
The University has set past precedence that they respect student elections as a student process, and have not stepped in. If they didn't begin stepping in when a member of the court ruled the election in his favor (he then became president), they most certainly have less motive to step in at this point, especially given the inordinate amount of campaign violations and inappropriate behavior exhibited by the losing party.
way to care about the environment ASAP on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:17 AM:
"It’s a system that doesn’t do anyone any good,” Dettman said. “We have been talking about having a bylaw bonfire.”"
Yeah way to care about the environment. Ever heard of recycling? Way to waste all that paper.
Re: Kyle Duerstein on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:25 AM:
While the university is not bound by precedent, that's not the point. The point is that ASAP can and has appealed to the university- that comment #2 is wrong.
Re: Kyle Duerstein on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:32 AM:
The administration has NO say. Direct quote from 36.09(5). "The students of each institution or campus shall have the right to organize themselves in a manner they determine and to select their representatives to participate in institutional governance."
Re: Kyle Duerstein on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:39 AM:
Read Regent Policy Document 30-3.
"The requirement of § 36.09(5) that students be "active participants in the immediate governance of and policy development for" their institution also includes the provision that student participation be "subject to the powers and responsibilities of the board, the president, the chancellor, and the faculty."
Kyle duerstein on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:07 AM:
This is correct: Direct quote from 36.09(5). "The students of each institution or campus shall have the right to organize themselves in a manner they determine and to select their representatives to participate in institutional governance."
That stronger language speaking to how students can organize is what is relevant here, and nowhere there does it say that this is subject to the powers of the board, chancellor, etc. That applies only to how those elected students govern and participate in the governance and policy process, and does not pertain to how the students choose to organize and select their representation.
Nice try though. Scott can appeal to the University all he wants, and honestly, with the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs' relative inexperience with shared governance, they might have a sympathetic ear with her. The chancellor though wants nothing to do with this. He undoubtedly isn't pleased, but the can of worms that would be opened if he even thinks about involving himself would be unimaginable.
Re: Kyle Duerstein on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:31 AM:
Haha...I think we both agree Kyle :) You're second post says they "can and will" appeal. I thought you meant that they could appeal, when in reality they cannot. There is not even a process for that.
Isral DeBruin on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:37 AM:
Point of clarification: ASAP already HAS appealed to the University. This was not an error in reporting.
amazing! on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:40 AM:
So when the Post writes something perceived as biased, they're called horrible journalists. When they write something that's more or less an objective recap of the election, they get accused of trying to "make friends" with the government.
Kyle Duerstein on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:51 AM:
Point of clarification: The Administration has no precedent and no grounds to interfere. ASAP already HAS begun wasting time as sore losers.
Just Disappointed on Apr 21, 2008 at 11:17 AM:
I'm just disappointed in everyone involved from the media, both parties, the IEC, and all other 3rd parties. ASAP broke the rules, and the reason those rules are in place is to make sure that these elections don't turn into terrible slanderous battles. So, yes the rules need to be tweake.d, but the points system is important if not abused. ASAP cannot claim that this election was stolen from them when in reality, ignorance was the cause of their loss.
SUFC. Think about how it looks to other students when you appoint Dan Bahr to IEC? Yes, Dan is very smart and knows the process but you have to step outside yourself to see what other students might see. It's just disheartening to think that you all think we are stupid, or maybe you're just that arrogant. I don't know.
As far as platforms, SUFC, you deserved to win. You have excellent ideas and I wish that you would've had more faith in the fact that your ideas would win you the election without having to interfere.
The media. Honestly, THE POST is just terrible. Learn to write articles with fact. When you control the news you can bend it all you want and you have become very good at distorting facts. This will catch up to you, so I hope you fix it.
3rd parties...just grow up. On both sides. This terrible name calling makes me sick. You're supposed to be the leaders of our school.
I'm sure you're all going to hate me for saying this and you're going to say terrible things about me on here. But I think everyone needs to look at themselves and realize that it's not one side or the other that's wrong, YOU ARE ALL WRONG in many ways.
Chris Walker on Apr 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM:
Just Disappointed,
Geez, I hate you. Just kidding. :) I think you bring up interesting points. While I disagree with your arguments against the Post, I think your overall message is an important one we need to hear: everybody involved in this election needs to look outside of their own "bubbles."
But once again, I disagree with your points on the Post. I'm allowed to do that, right? :-p
protester on Apr 21, 2008 at 11:33 AM:
Alright, this is the last straw...all who oppose this crap let's meet tomorrow in front of Chapman Hall at noon and rally the Chancellor to take action against these tyrants!
Haha... on Apr 21, 2008 at 11:54 AM:
You can protest ALL you want...that is actually quite humorous!!!! Why not, INSTEAD, try to follow the process and join SUFC in making next years election better. It sounds like President-Elect Draheim is MORE than willing to listen to your ideas. Try to meet in the middle of the bridge instead of burning it!
Re: Protester on Apr 21, 2008 at 11:59 AM:
YEAH!!! LETS BURN THE BYLAWS AND THE CODE OF ETHICS WHILE WE'RE AT IT!!!
YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!!!!
American flag anyone? on Apr 21, 2008 at 12:04 PM:
Why don't you burn the American flag? The ACLU will help you defend your actions---crazies, crazies, crazies....
I LOVE THE ACLU on Apr 21, 2008 at 12:12 PM:
AND I HATE AMERICA!!
YEAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
What a joke. on Apr 21, 2008 at 01:10 PM:
I guess if they don't reform the process next year, everyone can just put out flyer say the opposition party is corrupt to get them kicked off the ballot, because the IEC isn't going to investigate where they actually came from anyway. Maybe we can have an election with no one on the ballot next year.
Percplayer on Apr 21, 2008 at 02:01 PM:
Thank you Just dissapointed. While I don't think we need to do individualized comments, your message as a whole is great. Everyone, including the student body needs to improve how we run our school.
We all (SUFC, ASAP, Independant Canidates, Election Commissioner, the Press, ACLU, Student Body, Administration, etc.) need to get together and figure out a way to have a fair, balanced election before we turn away the little percentage of voters we have left.
Apathy on Apr 21, 2008 at 02:13 PM:
It's sad to see students be apathetic. Thanks SUFC
SAd SUFC on Apr 21, 2008 at 03:13 PM:
What we need is to have this year's election again with more than one choice on the ballot. Many of us didn't even know about writing in ASAP. If that is not possible, then we need a recall. SUFC did not win the election and whenever you see Bahr or one of his pals from the SUFC, let them know how you feel. They represent no one.
re:SAd SUFC on Apr 22, 2008 at 12:32 AM:
how could you not know about writing in ASAP. they posted a flyer (illegally) on every table where voting took place. you are very ignorant and a crybaby.
and they call hughes the nazi on Apr 22, 2008 at 12:36 AM:
""It’s a system that doesn’t do anyone any good,” Dettman said. “We have been talking about having a bylaw bonfire.”""
dettman wants to burn the bylaws like he likes to burn books. get a life dettman.
Annoyed Student on Apr 22, 2008 at 01:39 AM:
Why don't we just replace the entire senate and start with a fresh senate. Madison did and it seemed to work. This current one does not seem to represent students. There has to be a better way of running this organization. They do control millions of dollars. Another point the ballets were to small to write anything in that should be changed
Re: Annoyed Student on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:19 AM:
Right... which is why MORE students voted SUFC than ASAP, even when ASAP was allowed to campaign on the election day!!
wow. clearly you're not a math major.
SUFC>ASAP. not hard.
Re: They call hughes a nazi on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:40 AM:
SD: "And now, my first act in office as president is to harm the environment and burn paper! I just want to send a clear message to all the students that I lied to when campaigning on the need for a green campus, that I really don't believe in any of that bullshit. I would rather try and make some kind of a statement."
*blinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkbli nkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkbl inkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblink*
"yeah. and I played football in high school, so what are you pussies gonna do about it if I burn these bylaws?"
"If Dan Bahr and Tyler Draheim thought the IEC Bylaws were crap, why didn't they change them in their previous two years in the Senate?"
because they didn't forsee an illegal campaign on the two election days by a party that hadn't played by the rules all along.
Just watch the rules change next year so that there can be no write-in campaigning whatsoever on election day. All campaigning must be done leading up to the election, not on the two days of the election.
play by the rules. you lost, get over it.
Students United For Change on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:58 AM:
On behalf of SUFC that last statement was a bit juvenile. I realize things get heated up on these boards, but let's both sides try and keep it a little cleaner.
Annoyed Student on Apr 22, 2008 at 11:33 AM:
I've been around for i think 3 or 4 elections and i don't think one elections has come off clean or smoothly I think thats of great concern. UWM's senate use to be one of the best and now its a joke!
Re:Annoyed student on Apr 22, 2008 at 11:36 AM:
Um, America's been around for how long and it's had a clean, fair election where everyone's happy how many times?
Annoyed student on Apr 22, 2008 at 01:27 PM:
Yeah true but why do we have to have a party system at uwm? where one party has been in control for years? What has the SA done for anyone? hold a block party where no one comes? SUFC says they can make uwm safer? How? add more of those SAFE people? Adding more cops has never worked. We need to get rid of the IEC thats a joke it has never been independent.
What Do you Want SA to do? on Apr 22, 2008 at 03:39 PM:
Let's not talk about the past. All of you with all these "ideas" about what SA SHOULD NOT be doing. Tell me what you want SA to do and what campaigns you want SA to work on. Let's not talk about the past, let's talk about the future. No complaining, no pointing fingers...let's talk about REAL campaigns for REAL students :)
Re: What Do yo Want SA to do? on Apr 23, 2008 at 10:45 AM:
Get out of office! Run don't Walk. Appoint an unbiased IEC and have a redo election. Is that enough to start with?
See.. on Apr 23, 2008 at 11:41 AM:
You can't even come up with any good ideas. All you want to do is whine! That's why you'll NEVER get into office because you have no REAL ideas! If your President does not even know about Ch. 17 then there is no way you should be in office!
World Over on Apr 23, 2008 at 07:26 PM:
Joe Ohler (SUFC) - 563 All is lost. Joe Ohler (SUFC) - 563 All is lost. Joe Ohler (SUFC) - 563 All is lost. Joe Ohler (SUFC) - 563 All is lost. Joe Ohler (SUFC) - 563 All is lost.
Re:world over on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:48 PM:
lmao