Members of the Associated Students of Madison Student Judiciary heard an elections violation case against Senior Class President-elect Joseph Meeker Monday that challenged his election on the grounds campaign flyers were posted in areas not permitted under election rules.
The case was brought forward by University of Wisconsin-Madison junior Ryan Hughes, who stated Meeker hung posters on columns in the Humanities Building, as well as on a city light pole on Langdon Street, both of which violate ASM elections policy.
According to Hughes, both locations are in “heavily trafficked areas” on campus. Hughes said by hanging campaign posters where other candidates’ posters did not appear, Meeker was given an advantage. Because the election was decided by 64 votes, Hughes said the violations are grounds for disqualifying Meeker.
Meeker responded did not deny the placement of the posters, saying he used a “wide reading” of the elections policy and committed a “reasonable mistake.”
Additionally, Meeker said rules about posting on columns or city light poles were not specifically included in the official candidate rules packet. He also pointed out this was his first campaign for a position under ASM elections policy.
Meeker said he did not believe the approximately seven posters that violated the rules could have swung the election, adding he felt removal from his position would be an unfair sanction, especially when the violations already involve paying fines.
SJ will make a decision on the case within 10 school days.
