Though for many on campus it seems like only yesterday that Josh Morse and the other Associated Students executive officers won the neck-and-neck race to the top, A.S. elections are upon us again. To say this year’s election climate is different would be an understatement.

Only six candidates are running for the five executive officer positions. This means aside from the A.S. presidential candidates, all other candidates are running unopposed.

Five of the candidates are running together as a slate led by presidential candidate and current Interfraternity Council President J. Cole who will be competing with lone presidential candidate Gabriel Torres.

Vice President of Financial Affairs candidate Alex Padua said running unopposed has given him more time to concentrate on preparation for managing A.S.’s sprawling budget.

“With the energy I have left over from campaigning, I can really get into the important details of my budget plans for A.S.,” Padua said.

Though in some ways running unopposed has made life easier for the vice presidential candidates, some say it’s actually more difficult running unopposed.

“I was upset when I found out I was running unopposed,” Vice President of University Affairs candidate Corey Polant said. “It puts a lot more pressure on me to live up to the expectations of the whole student body since they have lost their ability to choose.”

Vice President of External Relations candidate Jacqueline Karczewski said she thinks the lack of competition may be part of the cyclical nature of A.S.

“I’ve participated in A.S. elections since I was a freshman and every year it’s different,” Karczewski said.

At noon today the candidates for the four vice president positions will participate in a discussion in front of Hepner Hall moderated by staff from The Daily Aztec. Elections will be held on WebPortal from March 17-20.

Read the candidate’s bios:

Kevin Hancock: Executive Vice President

Corey Polant: Vice President of University Affairs

 Jacqueline Karczewski: Vice President of External Relations

Alex Padua: Vice President of  Financial Affairs

Photos by Monica Linzmeier, photo editor