The 2008-2009 junior attendant and sophomore attendant were finally named Tuesday after one run-off followed by an additional re-vote because of ballot complications.
Jasmine Furr, 20, a sophomore business administration student from St. Louis, Mo., was announced the winner of the race for junior attendant. Sharing her moment of glory is the winner of the sophomore attendant candidacy, Courtney Gwen 19, a freshman business administration student from Atlanta.
Furr expressed her relief concerning the conclusion of the campaign process and could not contain her excitement about the results.
“When they told me there would be another run-off, I did not have one flier, shirt or button,” Furr said. “All I had were my posters. I feel blessed, grateful, and I’m very excited,”
With the combined effort of a supportive campaign team displaying the few campaign materials she had remaining, Furr was propelled to victory.
After 14 days spent vying for the position of junior attendant, Furr and her opponents managed to maintain cordiality.
“I respect to the fullest all of the girls,” Furr said. “They were gracious competitors.”
Junior attendant candidate Nadiyah Knight, 19, a sophomore agricultural business student, was not so ecstatic.
“I feel as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, but I’m very disappointed in the electoral commissions,” said the Tallahassee native. “It was difficult to get people to vote a second time, let alone a third.”
Knight attributed the occurrence of a second run-off to inadequate leadership, saying the mistake could have been avoided.
Dean of Students Henry L. Kirby said the second run-off was because of double labeling, which resulted in confusion about who was voting in whose favor. Kirby said it was difficult for the Electoral Commission to discern the choices made by voters in the initial run-off, so it was necessary to have a second one.
“I’ve been here for 28 years and we’ve had additional run-offs every year,” Kirby said.
When asked whether he felt prolongation of the process would be considered tiresome to candidates, he gave the analogy of playing a football game.
“If you’re playing a football game and it begins to rain, you cannot decide to give up based on that fact,” Kirby explained. “It’s raining on both sides.”
Kirby said despite the extension of the process, no candidate was given an advantage.
Candidates who are unsatisfied with the results had the opportunity of protesting through an appeals process with the SGA Supreme Court.
“Students put a lot of money and energy into races, and when race results do not meet their expectations, there is conflict, “Kirby said.
Kirby said the desire for such an opportunity has continued to grow as positions have become more high profile. Students agreed.
“I think everyone wants the opportunity to serve the University,” Knight said.
inadequate leadership, saying the mistake could have been avoided.
Dean of Students Henry L. Kirby said the second run-off was because of double labeling, which resulted in confusion about who was voting in whose favor. Kirby said it was difficult for the Electoral Commission to discern the choices made by voters in the initial run-off, so it was necessary to have a second one.
“I’ve been here for 28 years and we’ve had additional run-offs every year,” Kirby said.
When asked whether he felt prolongation of the process would be considered tiresome to candidates, he gave the analogy of playing a football game.
“If you’re playing a football game and it begins to rain, you cannot decide to give up based on that fact,” Kirby explained. “It’s raining on both sides.”
Kirby said despite the extension of the process, no candidate was given an advantage.
Candidates who are unsatisfied with the results had the opportunity of protesting through an appeals process with the SGA Supreme Court.
“Students put a lot of money and energy into races, and when race results do not meet their expectations, there is conflict, “Kirby said.
Kirby said the desire for such an opportunity has continued to grow as positions have become more high profile. Students agreed.
“I think everyone wants the opportunity to serve the University,” Knight said.