Deja Vu

This afternoon, it's believed the Election Commission will be meeting to discuss allegations of early campaigning by the Walrath-Goldsmith ticket. While details are still scarce, it's my understanding that the charges are being pressed by Attorney General Andrew Miller and are related to the Interlude Dance. I'll be live-tweeting the meeting starting at 3pm.

Early campaigning is a serious allegation. The election rules lay out the following penalties for the offense:

3. Specific infractions and suggested minimum (not required minimum) penalties
i. Early campaigning
1. Warning w/ Probation
2. Take down posters/banners/materials until campaigning starts
3. Delay campaign start date for campaign by the number of days election rules
violated
ii. Early campaigning with an intent to solicit votes
1. Warning w/ Probation
2. Stop candidate from talking to people until campaigning starts
3. Delay campaign start date for campaign by the number of days election rules
violate

Regardless of the Election Commission ruling, both parties have the option to appeal to the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Andrew Clopton faced a similar situation two years ago and his court decided to push back the election by two weeks. The results were horrible. Student turnout was half of the previous year and the candidates were forced to spend far more than expected.

Again, we have to wonder what Andrew Miller is trying to do. On the face of it, these allegations are absurd and threaten to undermine any sort of legitimacy in the process. It is my expectation and hope that these charges will be laughed out of the Commission. Rest assured, if the elections are delayed, I will be the first to sponsor legislation in Senate to overturn that decision.

More updates coming as they become available.