Students are taking a break from the presidential election and drawing their attention to a more immediate ballot.

Students have the opportunity to get out and vote this fall semester for those they wish to see represent five residential districts. The Student Association Senate Election is held from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. today and Wednesday. Students have the option of voting in various polling places including the Holmes Student Center, the Founders Memorial Library, the Campus Recreation Center and DuSable Hall.

SA President Brent Keller said it’s important for students to vote in the SA election to voice their opinions.

“I would like to remind the students of the importance of having their voices heard. They have a great deal of oversight on the university and its responsibilities,” Keller said.

The SA has taken a different approach with advertising and campaigning for the election this year. They have utilized promotion primarily through Facebook and by word of mouth, Keller said.

The SA Senate consists of 40 senators, eight from each of the five districts. The Speaker of the Senate oversees the legislative body. Matt Venaas, junior political science major, holds the position this year.

Ashley Michels, English and journalism major, is running for a Senate position in district four. The district encompasses the area between Annie Glidden Road and the Kishwaukee River, and north of Lucinda Avenue.

“I’m campaigning for the SA Senate this year because I would like to be more involved with the university. It’s nice to be the voice of people who don’t feel like they have one,” she said.

Some students have been campaigning for about two weeks, Michels said.

Elections commissioner Rebecca Gerstner has prepared for the election since the beginning of September, when the first candidate meetings were held.

“This year we have a much larger base of freshmen running for the Senate, especially in the first and second districts or dormitory regions,” Gerstner said. “It’s important for students to get involved not only by running for the Senate, but by voting. It’s the Senators that represent them. Students should really get in the habit of voting because it’s a good way to have their voices heard.”

Pat Talley, junior athletic training major, is running for a Senate position in the third district, which includes regions west of Annie Glidden Road including Eco Park.

“I was advised by a friend to run for Senate. It’s a good way to get involved. It also looks great on a resume,” Talley said.

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