Congress Set to Fund Campaigns

Student Congress officials said Wednesday that they are prepared to finance student campaigns even if all 55 candidates who so far expressed interest in running qualify for the Feb. 11 ballot.

The total campaign costs for this year's elections could amount to as much as $4,820, assuming that each prospective candidate gathers the necessary signatures to be placed on the ballot and that there are runoffs for student body president and senior class officers.

The 2003 elections will be the first to take into account the Larson-Daum Campaign Reform Act of 2002, which calls for campaigns funded entirely by student activity fees, new spending limits and a shorter campaign season.

Congress has budgeted about $8,000 for the elections, nearly double the highest possible cost. Excess funds will be reverted to the General Reserve, which contains all money generated by student activity fees.

"There is plenty of money available to handle any situation," said Michael Vollmer, student body treasurer. "Student Congress set aside sufficient funds for both the regular elections and runoffs."

To receive campaign funds, candidates must have a certified treasurer, a faculty adviser and be recognized by a student group.

"Now everyone has to do everything legit," said Brian Fauver, chairman of the Board of Elections. "It is formalizing the whole spending aspect of campaigning, which is good. There is more accountability on part of the candidates."

The main difference from last year's elections is the use of student, rather than personal, money.

"Candidates are not allowed to spend their own money, and if they do, there will be penalty costs," said Student Congress Speaker Carey Richter.

Presidential candidates for the student body and the Carolina Athletic Association will receive $400 each for their campaigns. Any candidates in those races involved in a runoff will receive $100 each.

Candidates for Residence Hall Association president and Graduate and Professional Student Federation president will receive $250 each, and a runoff warrants an additional $75 per candidate.

Senior class officer candidates will receive $150 per pairing and a $75 spending limit for runoffs.

The money allocated to Student Congress candidates amounts to $20 and $10 for runoffs. Write-in candidates will not be able to take advantage of student funds, but they still must abide by the spending limits listed in the Student Code.

"Just because they don't get school money doesn't mean they are not subject to election laws," Fauver said.

But write-in candidates involved in a runoff election will receive reimbursements from Student Congress if they turn in their financial statements.

Fauver said the Campaign Reform Act will influence students to run, if not this year, then definitely next year.

"The effects of the finance reform will have a bigger effect next year because it was a recent decision," Fauver said.

Vollmer said he hopes that the cost-free aspect of running will encourage more students to run. "I hope this allows people to run who don't have the financial capabilities."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.