While Unite and iOU parties vie to get ahead in the Student Senate race, a pair of candidates quietly continue independent campaigns on their own.
Sophomore Jasmine Lastery and freshman Carlton Daniel are running as independents, seeking at-large senator positions for the Student Activities Commission on Student Senate.
SAC distributes general fee money for student body events and activities. The SAC senators serve as representation for the committee on Senate. Each of the two parties already has several SAC senator candidates on its ticket.
Lastery said running independently has benefits that running under on a party ticket lacks.
I think that people know you more personally if they know your name
Lastery said. She said being an independent meant that she would be more accessible.
People will know me as a person instead of a group she added.
Daniel declined to be interviewed.
Lastery, who described herself as a very committed person is a member of numerous student organizations, including Political Science groups and the Faces Modeling Club.
It's necessary that (students) all have a voice and know what's going on
she said. Students pay $17
000 to 18
000 year to go to OU; we should make sure that money goes into the programs that they want.
Lastery's campaign will include fliers and a Facebook group. She said her campaign has run into delays, but that she has been communicating with other students in class and on campus to get the word out about her candidacy.
Rob Sampson of senate's Board of Elections said independent candidates like Lastery and Daniel are not uncommon.
There were a few last year. Every year there are usually a few people who run separate from the major parties
Sampson said.
Sampson said running independently does not pose any challenges for election because each position is elected by individual, not party.
Students will be able to select the top five candidates for SAC from among the 12 running; five from Unite, five from iOU, Lastery and Daniel.
Sampson said the rules are the same for the independent candidates as for major parties. They can campaign and participate in debates for president and executive positions.
The election will be held May 14.
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Tristan Navera
