In any competition there are rules that need to be followed, but sometimes those rules are unrealistic or just do not make any sense. Such is the case with rules that the Undergraduate Student Government places on candidates running for office. Even worse, though, is that the candidates running for office are willingly taking advantage of this inadequate system.

The main battle that is currently grabbing the spotlight within this election is the grievance war being waged between the Saluki and the Progress parties. Sean Henry, presidential candidate of the Saluki Party, filed 11 separate grievances against the Progress Party between Friday and Monday. There have been 15 grievances filed as of this writing. Shakedown Party candidates Rob Taylor and Pat Kelly have even mentioned they might have to stop campaigning to remain in the race. Most of the grievances filed have been in regards to campaign literature that was either not approved or was deemed slanderous.

This is a prime example of how the rules surrounding campus elections need to be reformed. There is a time and place for the airing of grievances, but this year’s USG candidates have taken the time to submit grievances that are childish. This is a political election and should be treated as such. The candidates have a First Amendment right to print and distribute what they want concerning their campaign, just as anyone that may be affected by that literature has the right to respond to it. Do not abuse that right.

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All campaigns have rules to guide them. Unless the candidates somehow violate the Student Conduct Code or disrupt the educational function of this University, there should be no concerns.

Campaigns last only two weeks. That is not an adequate amount of time for candidates to effectively disseminate their message. Lengthening the campaign season could help curb voting based on name alone.

Candidates also are not allowed to post flyers or posters outside on University buildings or property. Being able to place flyers on the pedestrian overpass or Faner Hall breezeway are the best means for communicating information to students. Allowing flyers to be placed in such areas would increase exposure as well.

Inconsistencies also exist within the rules. The USG constitution says that campaigning is allowed in approved areas only. Candidates are not allowed to hand out flyers in the Student Center but can stand right outside the doors and pass out literature.

Not only are the rules set up by the USG constitution disappointing but so are those profiting from them. Candidates should show a little more professionalism and not file so many insignificant grievances against each other. Further evidence that there needs to be some reform in the election process is the simplicity at bypassing the system. Tuesday, two separate anti-Shakedown Party fliers were posted around campus. Because there was no party name on them, no one can be held responsible. If it is that easy to mudsling, why have the other candidates not done this from the start?

Another problem arises with the polling places Thompson Point, the Recreation Center, Trueblood Cafeteria, and the Student Center. These sites seem to be beneficial to the Progress Party with their locations among many of their supporters. The sites should be more conclusive to demographics that will include all constituents equally. Also, only four polling places for 17,000 students? It cannot be that difficult to set up more places for students to vote, especially when student apathy is unacceptably high.

Elections are supposed to be battles, which sometimes turn dirty. As the USG elections come to a close today, it is the Daily Egyptian’s hope elections next year will not be as childish.

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