Election flawed

Kirkwood was declared winner of an IU Student Association election riddled with Elections Code violations, so many that students had to wait four weeks from when elections ended to hear the results. What is particularly disturbing about violations this year is that those with the potential to alter the election's outcome only merited a fine by the Elections Commission, a decision upheld by a divided IUSA Supreme Court. Other less serious charges against Synergy and Steel were thrown out by the commission. \nThe commission levied a $700 fine against Kirkwood for sending mass e-mails and for its "Votetracker" e-mails used to intimidate greek pledges. That means anyone who can afford to run for IUSA and pay the fines associated with an IUSA campaign can add a line to his resume. Choose from student body president, senator and more. President runs for around $250, senator for $35. In addition to the resume, executives are paid and receive "A" parking permits.\nViolations of the Elections Code that have significant potential to change election results should entirely disqualify a ticket, while less serious offenses (some of us think handing out condoms is a violation) warrant a fine. I've served twice as an IUSA senator and once as an associate director. I know that IUSA can make an impact on campus for students, as it has before. But it must be seen as legitimate to do so.\nUnless students and the IU administration see IUSA elections as fair, and until more students vote, IUSA has lost much of its legitimacy.