Dillon Domke, Student Association Senate Speaker, said candidates will hand out flyers and attend student organization meetings as campaigning for the SA Senate elections enters its first full week.

There are 40 seats available on the SA Senate, with just 31 candidates on the ballot. Candidates will campaign over the next two weeks leading up to the election on Sept. 29 and 30. Polls will be set up in the Holmes Student Center, Barsema Hall, Founders Memorial Library, DuSable Hall and the New Residence Hall Community Center. Students may also access the ballot on Huskie Link at niu.collegiatelink.net.

Remaining seats may be filled by the senate, which appoints senators at large at regular SA Senate meetings throughout the school year.

Janel Pilate, junior public health administration major, is looking for proactive candidates who don’t wait for problems to arise. Pilate said she encourages students to listen to the candidates’ campaigns and not vote based on popularity.

“We definitely need to restructure,” Pilate said. “A lot of decisions made last year were not as beneficial to the community as to certain people.”

Freshman biology major Gisselle Ruiz said students need candidates who are good at public speaking and know how to communicate with people.

“We need a leader, not a liar,” Ruiz said.

Courtney Morrelli, sophomore special education major, said she advises candidates to be attentive to the demands of the voters.

“Really listen to the students,” Morrelli said. “We are the ones living our lives here. We know what works and what doesn’t.”

Students will see candidate information on the ballots, which will include the candidates’ background and experience.

“Students should get out and vote,” Domke said. “If you want your voice to be heard, you got to get out and vote for the person you want in office.”