Clemson University Student Government (CUSG) elections are approaching, and for freshman students, it will be their first time casting their vote. 

The 2016 CUSG Election will be in the form of online ballots. The student body will have 48 hours to vote, beginning March 2. 

In the case of a runoff election, an extra 24 hours will be given to vote in order to elect a winner. Results of the election will be posted outside of the Student Government main office at least 48 hours after polls have closed. 

As Emily Blackshire and Joey Wilson compete for CUSG president along with their vice presidential nominees Hunter Burgess and Nicki Seidman (respectively), they are trying to communicate their platforms with as many students as possible. 

“In terms of student government, some of our biggest things involve transparency– not just between students and students government, but between the administration and students as well” said Wilson, commenting on what specific improvements he was planning to work on. 

“We want to hold town halls every semester where students can ask student government and administration questions. We want to go face to face

with students.” 

Blackshire intends to improve communication between students and student government as well, pointing out that Burgess’ not being in CUSG was appealing to her for this specific reason. 

“Being VP, there’s a lot of opportunity to be a liaison to people,” Blackshire said. “So [Burgess and I] talked about platforms and how important it is to share the microphone.” 

Blackshire added, “We think it’s really important to bring as many voices as possible to the table, if elected. We want to bring back the

idea that in the cabinet there are liaisons from all the big six, the Greek councils, so that they can directly advocate for their organizations.”

In recent CUSG meetings, Wilson and Blackshire have continued to pursue legislation and events within their respective committees.

The Transportation Committee, which Wilson heads, is looking into partnering with Uber since CATBus ridership has only increased 1 percent since last year. 

Blackshire’s Committee, Health and Human Services haas recently placed emphasis on Mental Health Awareness, Paw Pantry, CUPD Coffee with a cop, and the Interviolence workshop. 

More information about the Blackshire and Wilson campaigns can be found at  blackshireburgess.com and  joeyandnicki.com.