Senator Elections revamp amendment of Spring 2022

FAILED

In Session April 14, 2022 

LeTourneau University Student Senate

Sponsored by Chairmen, Crowder, Shaughnessy, and Sergeant Rubingh as requested by VP Avent

An Amendment to the Constitutional Bylaws

Relating to the election and eligibility of senators

Be it resolved by two thirds of the entire LeTourneau University Student Senate  

Short Title

Section A.

This act may be referred to as the "Senator Elections Revamp of Spring 2022".

Amendments

Section B.

The Constitutional Bylaws Article II section A shall be amended as follows: 

Section A - Elections and Position Eligibility

1. Senators shall be elected by the residents of their district.

2. Senator elections shall take place annually within the first 5 weeks of the fall semester.

3. Senate Elections shall be announced in chapel at least 2 weeks prior to elections taking place.

4. Any other methods and policies shall be specified in the senate bylaws for voting and elections.

5. Any vacancies may be filled after an election which shall be initiated by a petition signed by five (5) residents of the district which has the vacancy.

6. To be eligible, any potential candidate for the position of senator shall complete senator training with the Vice President prior to the election.

7. The candidate(s) with the most votes shall win. Ties shall be resolved through a game of rock/paper/scissors, best two (2) out of three (3).

8. Unless an exemption is granted, no student may simultaneously hold both a paid IMPACT non-Senator position and a Senator position. Any such exception shall require the approval of the Vice President and a two-thirds vote of Senate.

9. Any student who holds a position in Student Government shall comply with the Constitution, Constitutional Bylaws, and enacted legislation.

10. Consistent failure to meet these requirements shall be grounds for removal.

Effective Date

Section C. 

This resolution shall become effective upon the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester. 

Explanations and Reasoning

Section E.

The senate elections have needed better organization for a long time, and this is one of the first steps toward that goal. This amendment should also increase the visibility of senate by requiring annual elections and announcing them in chapel.