EDITORIAL: Comedy of Errors

For a group that prides itself onFor a group that prides itself onefficiency and organization, theFor a group that prides itself onefficiency and organization, theNEC's handling of UA electionsFor a group that prides itself onefficiency and organization, theNEC's handling of UA electionsleaves a lot to be desiredFor a group that prides itself onefficiency and organization, theNEC's handling of UA electionsleaves a lot to be desired___________________________________ That's exactly what they got yesterday and Monday. Several students who are taking three courses were not allowed to vote on Monday because they were not considered "full-time students" and did not meet the NEC's eligibility requirements. This is interesting, because the College of Arts and Sciences considers anyone taking three classes a full-time student (and charges full tuition accordingly). To its credit, the NEC recognized its error, set up an extra poll station, and allowed students taking three classes to vote in the limited polling that took place yesterday, but that was after considerable student pressure and candidate dissatisfaction. Elections were also plagued by the cold weather, which caused computer problems and forced several polling stations to shut down for hours at a time. In addition, the NEC's new walkie-talkies, which were meant to ensure immediate and efficient communication between polling stations also malfunctioned. The NEC can't be blamed for technological defects, but it must bear full responsibility for the lack of viable and effective contingency plans. These shortcomings, in and of themselves, are petty. But for the UA vote to be taken seriously, it is crucial that student voices be heard loud and clear.