The record turnout for this year’s SG elections came after some radical changes from preceding years.
One of the biggest changes was the re-instatement of a debate between presidential and vice presidential candidates.
For the debate, six questions were asked to all candidates.
“The questions were pre-selected by me after receiving submissions from student leaders of major UT organizations, administration and faculty,” said SG President Andrew Madock.
Although debates have been held in the past, the incentive was to maintain student awareness of SG.
Presidential candidates Ali Mathe and Felicia Serano squared off while vice-presidential candidates Tom McKissock and Jordan Rubin spoke their part.
As Jordan Rubin is in Barcelona for the semester, Brian Cohen spoke for him.
“I think each person can bring something unique to SG,” said Alpha Gamma Delta President Megan Smith.
Vice-presidential candidates made their statements first, followed by the Presidential candidates.
Each candidate provided their proposals for making a more positive campus life and experience at UT.
“It was good to hear what the candidates had to say,” said Equestrian Club representative Tara Salomone.