Residence Hall Association (RHA) Vice President of Programming and College sophomore Jessica Simon was elected to the position of RHA president last night following a controversial election.
Simon garnered 403 votes, defeating both RHA Publicity Chair and College sophomore Akshay Goswami, who had 323 votes and RHA volunteer chair Kadean Maddix with 218 votes.
Normally in RHA elections, if an individual does not have a majority of the vote, a run-off election is held.
However, in this case, because this was the second general election, RHA determined that the candidate with the most votes would be awarded the position.
RHA decided to hold a second general election after the Election Committee determined that Goswami had cheated in the first election.
Following last week's run-off election, Goswami was initially disqualified after a victory in the run-off.
However, Goswami filed an appeal, and the Election Council determined that Goswami's "chalking" was not a violation. The Election Committee then decided to reverse Goswami's disqualification and instead cite him with five community service hours. A new election was held yesterday.
Goswami was cited for campaigning using chalk in a non-designated area and for posting a campaign Facebook page before 5 p.m., the campaign start time. However, the Election Council later found that the "chalking" was not a violation.
The position of RHA president was the only position on the ballot in yesterday's election.
"I was just really happy," Simon said. "I love RHA, and I'm really happy to be able to lead RHA next year."
Simon explained that her first initiative as president will be to establish a liaison between RHA and Greek Life.
Simon said she has already spoken with Interfraternity Council President and College junior Jason Stern about establishing the position.
"Greek Life has felt very separated from housing, even though it is a good part of the residence halls," Simon said.
Simon said the election garnered some negative press but also believes it was great to see RHA rise to the occasion and take advantage of the win.
– By Dustin Slade
