LETTER: Giving Credit

The Nominations and Elections Committee would like to respond to some of the misrepresentations in the article "U.A. Revises Code for Election Procedures" (DP 3/2/92). The mistake was made in attributing these changes to the Undergraduate Assembly. All revisions to the Fair Practices Code and the elections process are done by NEC. Following constitutional guidelines, the NEC submits these changes to the UA for "advice and consent." The UA does not have the constitutional authority to actually revise the elections process; they may only offer suggestions, approve or disapprove of the plans of the NEC. Over the past year, the NEC has been working to improve the elections process. The basic philosophy of the NEC regarding elections is to make the process as fair as possible for all candidates. This principle is embodied in the Fair Practices Code, the document containing the rules governing elections. The changes to the code do prevent candidates from seeking out publicity that would provide them with an unfair advantage; however, it does not ban "students from the press." The NEC has researched past elections and taken steps to change and improve the electoral process. These changes include revisions that should reduce the "popularity contest" effects on the elections. For the first time in Penn voting history, students will be able to vote easily and make an informed decision about the candidates. We hope the UA agrees that our changes to the code are in accordance with our basic premise that elections should be equal for all candidates. Fortunately, the UA did consent to our proposed changes, which should dramatically improve the upcoming elections. It is unfortunate, however, that the different branches of student government find it necessary to fight amongst themselves. The main concern of the NEC is to see that the undergraduate student body is adequately represented at this University; we have taken and will continue to take measures to ensure that this occurs. The NEC welcomes suggestions from the UA and the student body regarding the elections process. MICHAEL MONSON Chairperson NEC Public Relations