Update: DSU elections

Jamie Arron is the new president of the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU). Aaron Beale is now VP (academic and external).

On March 31 the Judicial Board released their ruling, totaling over 40 pages, on both candidates’ appeals.

The Board overturned a number of fines levied by the elections committee. After their appeals, the Elections Committee will fine both candidates $80.

Since this amount is below the automatic disqualification limit of $100, the Judicial Board reinstated both Arron and Beale’s candidacies and declared them the winners of their respective races.

The Board found that the ‘Brains for Change’ video used by Arron in his campaign was not DSU property, eliminating two $20 fines.

Beale appealed a series of $5 fines for handbills, totaling $145. The Board upheld the Elections Committee’s decision to fine Beale, but amended it to one $20 penalty. The board also eliminated another $20 fine for post-campaign activity in Howe Hall.

The candidates’ appeals were not entirely successful. The Board upheld a number of fines, including some for post-campaign activity on Facebook and in residences.

In the wake of the protracted election, the DSU council has formed a committee to examine elections policy.