By Emily Wunderlich
The Student Government election rules commission unanimously voted Thursday to throw out the case against presidential candidate Kaeden Kelso and running mate Ysatis Jordan.
Michael Hanlon, former SG director of external affairs, filed a grievance Monday night with Shannon Scanlon, SG supervisor of elections, alleging that Kelso and Jordan violated two campaign rules.
Hanlon cited a photo of Kelso and Jordan posing next to a ball with the USF Bulls’ logo on it, alleging that they violated a rule that prohibits the use of “student government and university logos or trademarks.”
Hanlon cited another photo of the duo posing next to the statue of “Cheryl the Bull” on Harborwalk, stating that they violated the rule prohibiting the use of “likeness of University figurehead, administrator, or celebrity without written consent in campaign materials as an official endorsement.”
The commission ruled that the photo with the Bulls’ logo “was not relevant” as it was posted to Kelso’s personal Facebook page and was not affiliated with the campaign.
The commission also found that the photo with “Cheryl” did not violate any campaign rules, as the statue was funded by SG’s 2012-2013 Activities and Services fees. According to SG rules, “A&S funded services can be used for the purpose of campaigning in Student Government/campus elections.”
With the case thrown out, Kelso and Jordan will continue to run unopposed in the spring election. The team will need 50 percent approval plus one vote on a yes or no ballot to get elected.
“This is just another one of the processes that (we), as Student Government, have in place to… make sure the election cycle stays true and honest,” Kelso said. “But I believe with this, we can take another step forward in the right direction.”
Kelso will promote the team’s platform at a town hall today (Feb. 22) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in USC Ballroom 1. Jordan will not be in attendance due to a prior obligation with the Student Leadership Institute.
Header photo courtesy of Ysatis Jordan
