Third time’s the charm! The Student Association 2009-10 executive board election results are finally in.
Adam Amit will fill the seat of president with a closing vote of 710 to 634 victory over runner-up Jonathan LaSala. Matthew Allwood will take over the position of vice president for finance. Allwood closed the election with a 760 to 507 win against Abid Hossain.
The Elections Committee, chaired by Mary Leonardo, counted the 1,366 ballots at record speed by 9:15 p.m. They had been looking forward to this day since mid-March, when the first election took place.
“I am ecstatic and completely humbled,” Amit said moments after his victory was announced. “My first goal as SA president is to reach out to the community and student groups to find out what their concerns are and how we can work together.”
Although his friend laughed at him for already sounding so presidential, Amit said that his goal had been the same throughout his campaign, and he was excited he could finally put it into action.
LaSala still wants to be involved next year by closing the gaps between the SA and greek life.
“Yesterday I wasn’t upset about the results, but I was disappointed,” he said. “I worked really hard to be president. With the runoff being postponed and spring break, time played a huge part in my campaign and my voter turnout. I already told Adam Amit that if he ever needs any support, I am a phone call away.”
Upon hearing the news, Allwood hugged everyone around him.
“I am very happy and excited to work with the accountants, administration and student groups,” Allwood said. “I am really happy elections are over and glad the students got their voices heard. I am even happier about the voter turnout, but I hope it will not affect community elections.”
Hossain had difficulty finding the words to express how he felt after the election.
“I feel like Matt did a really good job campaigning throughout the election,” Hossain said. “I feel like my campaign could have been more organized. I am considering staying involved in the Student Association and possibly running for an SA representative position next year.”
The first SA e-board elections were held on March 18 and 19. A mistake in voting protocol in Dickinson Community forced votes to be voided. Voters had their names crossed off a voting roster instead of signing themselves.
A revote took place in Dickinson on April 1 and 2 after a grievance was filed. A runoff was called for in the president and vice president for finance races, but all the other executive board positions were officially decided.
Tensions were high in New University Union room 324 while the votes were counted, but after an hour, Leonardo announced the winners of the SA president and VPF runoffs.