The results are in for the spring 2008 Student Government Association elections, with Cade Cypriano and Ashley Shabankereh stepping into place as president and vice president-elect. The presidential and vice presidential elections were unusual this year because candidates for both offices ran unopposed.

Greg Fontenot dropped out of the presidential race March 7. Fontenot stated that his resignation was not determined by any specific incident. He had discussed his candidacy with his parents – whom he refers to as “the most influential people in my life” – the night before and decided it wasn’t his best choice. He also admitted he had personal reasons he did not wish to disclose to The Maroon.

Many students felt there was not a reason to vote in this year’s elections.

“I think that it’s kind of an unfair advantage that there were no opposing runners. I mean when that happens, is there really even a need for an election?” Emily Heiser, psychology freshman, said.

“I think it’s unfortunate that no one else wanted to get involved. I think that shows the lack of interest of Loyola students.”

Voter turnout was doww this year, with 21 percent of students voting in this election (about 20 percent less than last year).

Even though they ran unopposed, both the presidential and vice presidential candidates actively campaigned.

“It would be a disrespect to student organizations to cancel scheduled speeches even though my opponent withdrew. Voter turnout and student participation are still important,” presidential candidate Cade Cypriano, political science junior, said.

Cypriano had to receive at least 51 percent of the vote over “no suitable candidate.” If not, he would not have won the race.

Both candidates succeeded; Cypriano securing the presidency with 76 percent of the student vote and Ashley Shabankareh, vice president-elect, with 80 percent.

Lee Hudson can be reached at [email protected].