The run-off election between Kianna Storm and Karen Kim for ASUP director of communications is open now on engage.
The run-off was triggered because neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote — Storm received 49.88%, one vote shy of the 50% threshold, and Kim 47.48% — and the roughly 11 write-in votes.
For the election to be valid, at least 10% of the student body must vote. Turnout in the general election last week was 14.2%, the lowest in recent years.
The director of communications takes minutes for every ASUP meeting, is in charge of communications between ASUP and faculty, staff, students and the greater North Portland area and is in charge of ADvantage. They are also paid a semesterly stipend of $3,250.
“If you want a competent director of communications, who's tasked with communicating to the student body what we're doing, that's what the run-offs are about,” Speaker of the Senate and chair of the election committee, Connor Heffernan said.
ASUP funds all student clubs on campus via the $130 student activities fee and students have a right to know and say where that money goes, Heffernan said.
“You have a right to say where your money is going. And you have a right to say who's representing you with admin,” Heffernan said. “... You're not going to have your voice taken into account if you don't vote.”
William Seekamp is the News and Managing Editor of The Beacon. He can be reached at Seekamp22@up.edu.
